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Trials of the Elite Four(AAMAYL/AdvanceShipping)

This is the same as my fic on FF.net, though, to follow forum rules, I decided to combine some of the shorter chapters.Rating: G(may go up later, I dunno)Short Summary: The Elite Four opens a challenge to those who want to join their ranks. Ash is included, of course, but if he loses just once to a single member, everything that he stands for as a trainer will be taken away from him!

Today we find Ash Ketchum walking on his way home to Pallet Town. With him is his best friend Pikachu and Hikari, a Pokemon coordinator they met during their adventures in Sinnoh. Brock, who also was travellling with Ash, left earlier, presumably to visit his family in Pewter.

"We've only left Viridian City an hour ago," Ash replied. 'I can't wait to see everyone again. It's been almost a year now.'

Little does Ash know that they are being watched by not one, but two parties.

Jessie, James and Meowth, three agents of the crime syndicate Team Rocket, have been after Ash's Pikachu since they first met. The trio have always met with failure at the hands of the "twerps", but that doesn't stop them from trying and trying again. Right now, Jessie and James are relaxing in the bushes, eating ramen, while Meowth was spying on Ash and Hikari. Typical scheming there.

Which brings us to the 2nd watchers. The first one is a large, tan, muscular man with brown spiky hair, wearing a karate outfit. His companion is somewhat smaller and older, wearing an old navy hat and jacket over blue slacks.

"Don't you think it's a little early for him to fight us?" the tan man asked his companion.

"I believe he is ready, Bruno," the "sailor" answered. "At this time tomorrow, the League has sent our challenge to all worthy challengers. This boy's always on the move, he hasn't even received his challenge yet."

"You have a soft side for this boy," Bruno mused. "Planning to issue the challenge personally. Mind telling me why?"

"He reminds me of myself, when I was his age."

Pikachu(Home at last) The little yellow mouse jumped off Ash's shoulders and ran ahead of the group.

They just arrived at Ash's mother's house, at the edge of Pallet Town. At the front yard is Mrs. Delia Ketchum's housekeeper, Mr. Mime, tending to the garden. "Mimey" was happy to see Ash again, that it halted its duties to greet the newcomers.

"Nice to see you again, too, Mr. Mime," Ash said to the ecstatic Pokemon.

Mr. Mime(They're here, they're here!) It called into the house. Delia came from inside, and hugged her son.

"Oh honey, you're home," Delia said, and Ash, though being hugged by his mother in broad daylight, returned the gesture.

"Well, you're still my little boy," Delia remarked, planting a kiss on Ash's forehead. Hikari and Pikachu snickered, making Ash turn beet red. "And who is this young lady?" she asked, turning to Hikari.

Delia shook Hikari's hand. "Goodness, another one, Ash? You really are growing up to be a man. But... I thought you already liked Ma-"

"MOM!" Ash turned, if possible, even redder, especially at the sound of May's name.

---

"This is disturbing."

Ash is looking at a mirror in his room, and a stranger is staring back. The "stranger" is wearing semi-formal clothing, and the hair is gelled down. Pikachu was rolling on the floor with laughter.

"Nonsense, honey," Delia said, marveling at her son. She rented out the attire for this occasion. After all, she wouldn't want her son the Champion to look ragged for his own party.

As Delia exited the room, she added, in a sly voice, "You have to look good for a very special guest tonight."

Ash took no notice of his mother's remark. He had his mind on other things.

'This is a reunion, right? Maybe "she" will be there.'

At the Ketchum's guest room, Hikari was now wearing a breathtaking purple dress. Delia walked in to give Hikari some make-up.

"No thanks, Mrs. Ketchum," Hikari said. " I already have my own." She whipped out her own perfume from her bag.

"Planning on hooking up with someone from the party?"

"I think so."

"I think I have a good candidate for you."

(Just then, a certain young researcher in Prof. Oak's lab sneezed.)

It was nightfall when Ash, Hikari and Delia left the residence for the party.

The party, being held in Prof. Oak's large backyard, was in full swing when they arrived. Every League official was there(from MCs to Gym Leaders to the chairman Mr. Goodshow himself). Profs. Oak, Elm, Ivy, Birch and Rowan were also there, with their assistants and family.

The Pokemon residing in the corral are also there. Ash could see his Kingler and Bayleef serving drinks, but there are also Totodile, Cyndaquil and Corphish running around the guests, playing with each other.

Pikachu(Hello, everyone. Long time no see) It jumped off Ash's shoulders and joined its friends.

Brock couldn't hide his surprise to see his friend in semi-formal wear, but couldn't stay and chat as his eyes kept wandering from one girl to another. Misty, on the other hand, is looking at Ash and Hikari, the former trying to return his hair into spiky form, but couldn't.

The two walked away farther from the two conversing girls, but not before Ash grabbing a few treats from the buffet. Ash and Brock walked a little distance away into the yard. Brock, of course, is avoiding a certain blue-haired female researcher, who is talking with Prof. Elm right now.

"I don't know why it always happens. What am I doing wrong?"

"Don't ask me. i just think what girls do are plain weird for me to understand. Anyway, I thought you were back at Pewter?"

The two strode to a little pond, where a few water Pokemon were lounging.

"Dad told me I should represent the Pewter Gym in this party."

"'Represent'? But why? This is just a plain party, right?"

Brock shrugged. "All I know is that there is supposed to be something really big to be announced tonight. And don't ask me what, I'm in the dark like you are."

Ash stared back at the party. "I can see Norman's here. I wonder if-?"

Well, um... not sure what to say. Other than 'Hikari' is translated as 'Dawn', if you didn't know, so you could use it. Also... why didn't you at least add one quote mark to the Pokémon's speech? I don't get it. Ah, well. Wonder what's May's tragedy. Post more soon!

Ash turned around and looked up at May. The moonlight reflected from the pond, which in turn reflected on May's sapphire eyes. Ash quickly turned away.

"So, uh... How's it going in Johto?"

"Fine, I guess." Ash felt that there was something wrong to the way May said that, but didn't press further.

"I'm really sorry I didn't get to see the Grand Festival-" At this, May fought back tears, but Ash was looking down at the pond, so he didn't notice. "So... how'd you do?"

"Fine, just fine." May pulled her knees up close to her body.

"Well, that's good to hear!" Ash scratched his head, thinking of what to talk about next.

Meanwhile, Brock was spying on Ash and May. Hikari just stood next to him, speechless, while Misty and Tracey handed each of them drinks, courtesy of Ash's Bayleef.

"You're acting silly, you know that?" Misty asked with an incredulous expression on her face.

"Look, I know Ash and May as a pair longer than any of you. They have the hots for each other since Day 1. It's up to me to play Cupid and-"

"Bring them together?" Hikari surmised.

Brock nodded, and continued to watch the two trainers. "Come on, just do it already!" he mouthed to himself.

"We heard that," Misty said.

"Do what exactly?" Tracey asked.

"Uh, it's not what you think..."

"'Do what', exactly?" a voice repeated. They all turned around to see Norman, May's father and Petalburg Gym Leader, looking at them, his eyevrows raised.

"We've been here for quite some time now," Ash remarked, dissapointed for not thinking of any good subjects to discuss. "We'd better go back to the party."

May nodded. "I guess you're right."

Ash extended his hand to her. "Grab my hand, or you'll slip into the water."

May did so, and she slipped down the rock to Ash's side.

Brock sighed as the two returned to the main party. 'Well, I guess they're making a little progress,' he thought, as he watched Ash and May stride over to them, still holding hands.

"It's about time you guys returned," Hikari remarked. She playfully nudged Ash in the ribs. "Had fun reliving old times?"

Ash just stared at her, and didn't comment. He was saved from further embarassment as Mr. Goodshow called for everyone's attention.

"Well, everyone," he started, "you are wondering why I gathered you all here tonight. But first, I'd like to congratulate Ash Ketchum and, of course his Pokemon, for their performance in the Sinnoh League."

Everyone applauded as a spotlight is turned on Ash(and May, who was still standing close to him).

"I'd also like to announce that the Pokemon League has been requested by the Elite Four to host a special competition for them."

A buzz started, everyone discussing about the Elite Four. The League chairman had to call for attention again.

"The Elite Four is now looking for exceptional trainers to join their ranks. We arranged that there would be four mini-competitions held in each region. A member of the Elite Four will be officiating each event. And whoever manages to succeed in the said competition will face the Elite trainer in a match."

Ash remembered only too well that not once has he beaten any member of the Elite Four. Ash clenches his fists, ready to sign up for the challenge so he could have a rematch. Goodshow approached the distracted trainer.

"I'd like to introduce an old friend of mine, Ash," he said. "He says that you've already met and fought each other."

Ash heard a cough from behind him, and turned around to see a man wearing a navy hat and jacket walking towards him. It was Drake, and Ash can pretty well remember him.

"It's been a long time, Ash," the man said. "It's nice to see that you've become stronger since we last met."

"Drake, what are you doing here?" Ash asked.

"Like my good friend Goodshow said, I came here because of the competition. Now..."

Drake looked at Ash's eyes, and the latter didn't blink. "It's plainly clear that you want to face me and my cohorts again. It would be nice to see how well you've trained for the past two years since I met you."

"Where do I sign up?" Ash said excitedly.

Drake smirked. "However, you should understand that we, the Elite Four, are risking our reputation offering this challenge. And we also like to see if our 'candidates' are ready to risk anything for this honor."

"Meaning-?"

"A little wager, perhaps. Ash, if you lose even just a single match against one of us, you must forfeit your Trainer License."

A gasp filled the whole crowd. Ash, however, remained clueless.

"That's crazy!" Brock spoke up.

"You want Ash to fight for his license?" Tracey added.

"Why? What happens if I lose my license?"

"Ash, all your League achievements-"

"-your adventures-"

"-and your... Pokemon-"

"-will be taken away from you."

At this, Ash turned back to the Elite trainer.

"So, do you accept my little offer?"

"No." Ash stared at Drake straight in the eye and didn't hesitate in his answer.

"I always thought you would say otherwise," Drake surmised.

"I don't care about my achievements, but I don't want to put my Pokemon on the line because of a stupid challenge like this."

Ash began walking away as everyone looked at him in awe. But Drake wasn't finished. "What if I tell you that defeating the Elite Four takes you one step closer to becoming a Pokemon Master?"

Ash looked back at him. "There has to be a better way than this."

Ash didn't stay at the party much longer. He excused himself and went home, closely followed by Pikachu.

As Ash lay on his bed, stroking Pikachu, he began to wonder about Drake's offer. "What do you think, Pikachu? Should I have taken that bet?"

Pikachu(No, definitely not. What will happen to all of us if we lose?") Pikachu looked sadly at Ash, knowing how much it would mean for him to finally become a Pokemon Master. It coddled closer to its trainer.

Ash and Pikachu slept deep that night. When Pikachu finally woke up, it was already noon. The yellow mouse tugged on Ash, to wake him up.

A groggy Ash went downstairs still in his pajamas. He greeted Mr. Mime, who was sweeping on the landing, and then heard voices downstairs.

"Oh, no, May is here," Ash hissed to himself, jolting awake. "She can't see me like this, especially after I left her at the party." Ash quickly bolted back upstairs, nearly running over Pikachu, which was on its way down, to the little mouse's annoyance.

Pikachu resumed down the stairs and into the dining room. There, indeed, was May, having an animated conversation with Hikari and Brock. Delia, meanwhile, entered from the kitchen, to serve the teens lunch.

"Honestly, that boy always sleeps that late when he's not in one of his adventures," Delia commented.

"It's all right, Mrs. Ketchum, it's not as if I came here to see Ash," May said, turning red. "It's just that I couldn't stay in Prof. Oak's lab all day. Pikachu!" May turned to greet Pikachu, who immediately jumped to her lap. It coddled to May, missing the girl (As much as Ash).

"Mm-hm," Hikari muttered, her mouth filled with Delia's stew. This time it was Brock who spoke up. "So, May, how was it in Johto?"

"Please don't tell Ash any of this," May said in a low voice. Pikachu just tilted its head, while May scratched its ears. "I haven't won a single contest in Johto."

"Huh? Why?" Brock inquired, stopping his spoon of stew halfway. May just rubbed her shoulders with her hands. "I don't know. I feel like I've lost my touch or something."

"You're lucky Ash didn't see the Grand Festival on T.V. He was too busy in the Sinnoh Conference that time. But when should you tell him?"

Just then they heard a large thump coming from the hallway. Ash jumped the last three steps of the stairs on his way down, nearly landing on top of Mr. Mime, who just finished sweeping.

"Young man, you should stop this roughhousing," Delia scolded her son. "This is no circus, you know."

"Sorry, Mom," Ash replied, taking his seat between May and Brock. "So, what's for lunch?"

After lunch, Ash decided to head over to Oak's ranch/laboratory, to meet up with his other Pokemon. May, Brock and Hikari decided to join him.

"You know," Hikari whispered to Brock, "you may be right about May having feelings for Ash."

"What did I tell you?" Brock whispered back, as Ash and May walked ahead of them. "I'm sort of an expert on stuff like this."

"Really? I never figured that, due to the many 'failed attempts' you made..."

"I could have gone better if only I didn't capture that Croagunk. I swear, it must have Poison Stabbed me a hundred times al-"

Brock couldn't finish his sentence, as Toxicroak (previously the Pokemon mentioned above) let itself out of its Pokeball again and gave Brock the usual treatment. Pikachu and Hikari just sweatdropped as Toxicroak dragged a paralyzed Brock all the way to the lab.

Soon they reached the corral housing Ash's(and every other Pallet trainer's) Pokemon. As everyone stood watching, Ash made his cue. "All right, everyone out!" Ash happily shouted, throwing five Pokeballs into the air. From each of those five Pokeballs came a:

-Grotle, a brown-and-green turtle with grass growing on its back

-Ruxio, a small blue lion with black mane

-Staravia, a dark-brown-and white feathered bird

-Ambipom, a purple monkey with two tails(that look like hands)

-Snover, a white-and-green creature that resembles a pine tree

"I'd like you guys to meet the rest of the family," Ash said happily to his Sinnoh Pokemon and whistled. A large rumbling sound seems to be coming from all directions. Everyone was startled at first, thinking that there's an earthquake, but soon all of Ash's previous Pokemon appeared, running happily toward their trainer(reminiscent of when Ash made his stop in Pallet before the Battle Frontier).

Ash quickly stepped out of the way as his Tauros stampeded past. After the herd of Tauros came Totodile, Cyndaquil, Bayleef, Heracross, Noctowl, Bulbasaur, Kingler, Donphan, Torkoal, Corphish, Swellow, Sceptile, Snorlax, Muk and Glalie.

Ash greeted all of his old Pokemon, and introduced them to the "new batch". Like before, everyone got along pretty well. May watched this with interest, knowing that Ash wouldn't wager all of them for a title, even if the title is that of an Elite trainer.

Brock and Hikari then called their own Pokemon. May dropped her gaze on Ash and decided to do the same.

Pretty soon, some of the "basics" were now playing tag around the corral, joined by Pikachu and Ambipom, with Munchlax as "it". Sceptile returned to its usual spot on the branch of a large tree. Snorlax also returned to sleeping underneath the said tree, joined by Grotle, Sudowoodo, Blaziken and Bastiodon.

Glalie and Snover are now trying to outdo each other with their IceBeams at a nearby pond, watched(and probably judged) by Prinplup. Swellow, Noctowl, Heracross and Staravia perched themselves at the wooden fence close to the trainers, and Toxicroak stood awfully close to its trainer. Bayleef cuddled close to Ash as usual, only for both of them to be smothered by Muk. May began brushing her Espeon's purple fur, with Hikari's interest.

"So, Tracey, has any of my Pokemon acted out of line?" Ash asked Tracey, who just appeared, as he is trying to get out of Muk's "embrace".

Ash sweatdropped at the sound of his Tauros's name, and decided to change the subject.

"Where's Misty?"

"The Indigo Season has started so she decided to leave for Cerulean first thing this morning. She said to say hi to all of you," Tracey said, sighing. Brock noted this sigh for future preference, but said nothing.

At that moment, Ambipom snuck up behind Ash, and grabbed his hat as usual. "Hey," Ash said with mock anger. Ambipom threw Ash's hat to Corphish. All of the "basics" are laughing and they scattered as Ash joined in their game, trying to get his hat back. Soon Ash and the Pokemon were out of sight and earshot.

"Tell me, how is this 'Elite Competition' supposed to go?" Brock asked Tracey. "How many trainers were challenged?"

"As far as I could tell, it's all classified," Tracey answered, shrugging. "The League didn't even tell Prof. Oak, or any of the gym leaders anything. As for 'how many trainers', it seems all experienced trainers with League achievements, I guess."

"So how is there supposed to be a competition if they didn't tell anyone anything?" May piped up, puzzled.

"All the Elite Four ever gave their challengers as a start is the location of each member. Each location is found in the four major regions of the Pokemon world. Here in Kanto, the competition will be held in Cerulean City. In Johto: Cianwood City. In Hoenn: Meteor Falls. And in Sinnoh: Tengan Mountains."

"Wow, talk about going global," Hikari said.

---

"Ready or not, here I come!" Ash called out to his hiding Pokemon.

The chase led them to the farther reaches of Oak's corral, where there is a dense forest. It was a good hiding place for the playful Pokemon.

Ash searched around the brush, and spotted his first prey. He picked up his Bulbasaur, who was hiding in a hollow tree (Bulbasaur's bulb was a giveaway).

"Gotcha!"

Bulbasaur(You're mistaken, Ash. I'm not playing, I'm just resting.)

Just then Ambipom appeared above them, swinging from branch to branch, wearing Ash's hat.

As Ash made an attempt to grab the monkey, Ambipom tossed the hat to May's Bulbasaur, landing on her(?) bulb. Ash's Bulbasaur ran up to the other Bulbasaur and together they ran deeper into the bushes.

When Ash was searching in their direction, all he found was Corphish. The lobster Pokemon scurried between Ash's legs, making him trip.

Corphish(Try again, he, heh...)

Corphish scurried over to Totodile's and Cyndaquil's hiding place.

Cyndaquil(I'm tired of this game.)

Totodile(Don't bring him here!)

The little aquatic reptile kept jumping around, but too late. He was caught by Ash in mid-leap.

From out of nowhere came Pikachu's voice.

Pikachu(Three, two, one... Go!)

The Pokemon tackled Ash from different directions. They all tumbled rolling on the ground, laughing.

---

It was sunset. Brock decided to leave for Pewter.

"My family will be really dissapointed if they find out I've been to Kanto without dropping by," Brock reasoned.

May left for Ash's house, deciding to help Delia with dinner. Hikari said there's no reason for her to stay so she left with May.

Tracey was sent on an errand by Prof. Oak. This leaves Ash in the corral, alone with the Pokemon.

Ash looked at the pond, a distant look in his eyes. Pikachu approached its trainer, wondering what's on his mind. The others closed around Ash, thinking the same thing.

Everyone nodded. It seems Pikachu has already told the others about Drake's challenge to Ash.

"Is what I took a coward's way out?" Ash was feeling so dejected he punched the ground hard, to everyone's alarm.

All the Pokemon looked at each other, sensing their trainer's emotions and feeling dejected themselves.

"Look, I don't want to lose any of you."

Pikachu placed its yellow hand on Ash's fist, which he didn't raise from the ground. This was followed by one of Ambipom's "tails", Bulbasaur's and Bayleef's vines. Sceptile placed its hand on Ash's shoulder.

Ash understood the gesture made by his Pokemon. They will be there for him, no matter what. And what sort of trainer would Ash be if he couldn't even trust his Pokemon's strengths?

From that moment on, Ash knew what he must do.

"I'll be back," Ash said, and he dashed off back to his house.

After a surprisingly delicous dinner(made by May on her own), everyone went upstairs to sleep. May and Hikari took the guest room, while the Ketchums retired to their own rooms.

But at midnight, a shadowy figure crept out of Ash's room. He slowly made his way downstairs, careful not to wake up anyone. He unlocked the front door, and the moonlight shone on the figure's face: it's Ash.

Ash walked the dirt path to Oak's lab, which was, of course, closed. Ash jumped over the fence, and was greeted by his Pokemon, who are waiting for him.

"Okay, Ambipom, I hope it's all right if you stay here for now." The monkey looked disappointed but nodded. "Snover, better stay here as well, Bulbasaur may need help in settling arguments."

Ash pondered who his last two Pokemon should be, and Totodile is trying to get his attention. "You want to come, too? All right."

Totodile(All right!)

"Ssssh," Ash hissed. "Or someone will hear us." Then he returned to the group. "Sceptile, why don't you come along as well?"

Yeah! I've read this on FF, but I'm not a member there. I'm glad I can review at last. I really like the story, you write all of the characters very well.

Ash scurried away from the conversation, in case Hikari points out "everything" Ash told her about the redhead. He spotted Brock over at the buffet table, who was rubbing his cheek, and walked over.

LOL! I can totally see that happening...

There are only a few things wrong with this -
1) Hikari is translated to Dawn, like Seijiro said, and...

2)

Juan and Norman,

Shouldn't there be a comma between "Juan" and "and"? Or is that just optional.

3)

"Don't ask me. i just think what girls

You forgot to capitalize that "I".

4)

Pikachu and Hikari,

Comma after Pikachu? (Don't you hate those little things?)

5)

Pikachu(Home at last)

Punctuation after "last"?

6)

"Mimey" was happy to see Ash again, that he stopped

Need a "So" after that "was"?

7)

Pikachu(Hello, everyone. Long time no see)

Pikachu likes to drop into oblivion before he can finish his sentences, huh? (missed a period.)

8) You seem to switch between present and past tense a lot. Is that on purpose?

I don't point all of these out to embarrass people, I just think that if the readers point these out, then the author can spend more time typing. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge...)
Advanceshipping forever!

Note: This was written for chapter 1. My computer wouldn't let me post, so I had to come post it again. Chapter 2 is awesome as well, but I would not show everyone where to find the whole story. Why would they ever review here again?

In the morning, no one still knows of Ash's sudden departure(everyone still thinks he slept late again). Hikari and May are in the living room, showing off their own "achievements". Hikari eyed one of May's ribbons(you know pretty well which one) reprovingly.

"It seems kinda a waste to cut a ribbon in half," she inquired her new friend.

"Well, the contest ended in a draw, so we had to cut it in half," May replied.

Hikari gave May a sly look. "You know, Ash never let go of his half of your ribbon," she said suddenly.

May blushed. "He- he really didn't?"

"Nope. I always see him holding it before an imporatant match. And I once saw him sleeping with it closed in his hand."

May frowned. "Is Ash that sentimental?"

"Okay, so I'm kidding about the sleeping part. But believe me, he holds on to it like a lucky charm or something..."

To save May from further embarassment, there was a knock on the door. Mr. Mime went to answer it.

The callers were Prof. Oak, Tracey and Gary. Delia, who was in the kitchen, went and greeted her guests. "Nice to see you, Professor. We are just sitting down to lunch."

"We'd be glad to join you," Prof. Oak replied, smacking his lips.

"Why did you have to bring me here, Gramps?" Gary inquired his grandfather. "There's still a lot to do at the lab."

"Sorry, Gary, but it was Delia who requested for you to come here."

"Uh-oh," Gary muttered, while Tracey stifled a grin.

As everyone was sitting down to eat, May suddenly thought of Ash. "He might get mad if he finds out he missed two meals."

"Well, you'd better go and wake him up," Hikari proposed, winking. Just then, the phone rang. Delia went to answer it as May headed upstairs. A minute later, Delia returned. "Professor, it's for you. There seems to be some sort of trouble in the lab."

"What?" Oak immediately took the phone from Delia. On the other end of the line was his "Flash" Aide.

"Professor, we just finished our roll call on all the Pokemon. Two seem to be missing."

"Oh, no. Did you find out what Pokemon are missing?"

"Yes." The Aide began skimming through a list in his hand. "A PDX #254 and PDX #158." "Ash's Totodile and Sceptile(strangely, Ash is the only Pallet trainer to have a Totodile and Sceptile)?"

Just then May returned, a note in her hand. "Ash's gone! He left us a note."

"What a strange coincidence," Gary said sarcastically.

Everyone peered over May's shoulder as she read Ash's writing:

To everyone,

When you read this, I would probably be very far by now. I'm sorry, but I decided to take the Elite Four's challenge after all. Please don't worry about me. After all, this is not the first time I left without notice, right? I decide to do this alone, because I know you wouldn't like me putting my Pokemon on the line for this challenge. The reason for why I did this is: What sort of trainer am I if I couldn't even trust my own Pokemon's abilities in battle? I know this will be a big risk, but I'm now ready to take it. Ash

May clutched the note in silence.

"So he did accept Drake's challenge?" Gary said, deep in thought. "I just hope he knows what he's doing."

"Of all the crazy things Ash has done..." Tracey's voice trailed off.

May finally broke her own silence. "He's not doing it alone. I'll go and follow him."

Tracey smiled and winked at her. "Ash will need all the moral support he can get. He just doesn't realize it yet."

Hikari shrugged. "Since the Contest season hasn't started yet, I guess I could go with a little sightseeing myself."

Delia sighed, but was not upset. Like Ash said in the note, it's not the first time he left without notice since starting his Pokemon journey.

Before leaving, Hikari and May stopped by Oak's lab. Their Dexes were given upgrades, and Oak gave May Ash's own upgraded Dex, which he forgot to take before leaving.

As the two girls left the lab, a voice called out to them. Delia reappeared. She gave them a new set of clothes for Ash, since it's been a while since he changed outfits. The new clothes are: a vest similar to Ash's original, only it is red instead of blue, and a new hat(similar to the Hoenn and Sinnoh hats, but instead of a greenHoenn or blueSinnoh circular marking, it is red like the vest).

"Please, when you find Ash, tell him that all of us here in Pallet Town support him," Delia asked of the two girls.

"Leave it to us," Hikari said, winking.

"And please remind him to change his you-know-whats everyday."

May smiled. "Don't worry, I'll tell him."

Delia watched the girls walk away, on their way to Kanto's site for the competition: Cerulean City. Surely, that's where Ash will head for. Although, I have some doubts that he even knows where the competition will be held.

---

Earlier in the day, shifting to Ash... "I have no idea where to go," Ash muttered to himself. Pikachu, walking by its trainer's side, sweatdropped. "We should have asked where the first Elite trainer is before leaving."

Ash and Pikachu are now walking through a different path than he took in Viridian Forest. It was only 10:10 A.M., ten hours after his departure from Pallet Town. But all of Ash's stock of food was almost gone(due largely to the trainer's and his Pokemon's appetite). Ash sighed and sat on a rock close to a tree, where a family of bug Pokemon reside. Pikachu plopped down next to its trainer. Both are tired, due to non-stop walking and hunger.

Ash took a chocolate bar from his pocket. Then he called out his other Pokemon. He split it into six small pieces, and gave one each to one Pokemon. "Sorry, guys, but that will have to satisfy you till we get to the next town."

Ash watched his Pokemon eat. 'If only Brock were here,' Ash thought, smiling to himself. 'He would whip up something delicious for us.' After eating, Ash recalled his Pokemon and resumed his trip.

---

As the clock struck 1:00 P.M.( roughly an hour after May's and Hikari's departure), a trainer just entered a pokemon Center in Pewter City.

This young man is in fact, Max, May's younger brother. He just began his own Pokemon journey a year ago, leaving Ash's group. After getting into the Top 16 in the Hoenn League, Max decided to try out the Indigo League, so that he could meet up with his friends again. But he should have started out earlier, only if he weren't called home. His mother Caroline needed someone to stay with her during her pregnancy, while his father Norman was called away on urgent League business.

The young trainer looked around excitedly. "So this is Pewter City, Brock's hometown. Boy, will he be surprised to see me."

"Good afternoon," the Nurse Joy of Pewter City greeted the newcomer. "How may I help you?"

"Thanks." As Max grabbed something to eat, he took notice of an ad posted in the cafeteria's board:

ATTENTION!

All trainers unite for this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Elite Four has organized a global competition to see who will be fitting to join their ranks.
Those interested, contact the Pokemon League Association(PLA). No registration required.
As Max was reading, a middle-aged gentleman approached. "I see you're interested in that ad, young man."

Max glanced at the man and nodded. "You're not thinking of going to challenge them, are you? No offense, but this is the Elite Four we're talking about."

"Nah. It's too early for me to join the Elite Four anyway. But I know someone who would love to fight them." Max grinned at the thought of Ash.

"Pardon me, where are my manners? My name is Wilton. I'm a trainer, just like you."

"My name's Max." Max shook hands with Wilton. "Like I said, I'm not interested in taking on the Elite Four just yet. It's only been over a year since I started my Pokemon journey." "Wise. As for me, I am thinking of competing myself."

"Well, good luck." Wilton tipped his hat and bid farewell. Max once again looked at the ad. "Heh, I'll bet Ash is on his way to challenge the first Elite trainer already."

The overhead P.A. called for Max, announcing that his Pokemon are healed. Max thanked Nurse Joy, and left the center.

Max took out one Pokeball and called out his Grovyle(his starter). The green reptile looked ready to battle like its trainer. Then they walked the short distance between the Pewter Gym and the Pokemon Center.

When he approached the large, stone-like building(I thought it was like so in the anime), Max was surprised to see it deserted.

"Huh. I wonder if this place is always like this." Max stepped up to the Gym's large double doors and knocked. There was no answer. Grovyle looked as disappointed as its trainer, thinking that no one's there.

Max just shrugged. "Too bad I don't know where Brock's family actually lives. May as well go back to the center. We'll ask Nurse Joy."

Just then the two of them heard a rustle in the edge of the forest near them. Grovyle stood in front of Max, in case of an attack. And out stumbled: Ash and Pikachu! Grovyle stood poised to attack, but Max called it off immediately.

It seems Ash has gotten lost in Viridian Forest again since we last saw him, and he and Pikachu are near to fainting due to exhaustion and hunger.

Ash definitely looked dazed, but Pikachu still looked like it still has a little bit of energy in it.

Pikachu(Max!)

"Pikachu! Ash! What are you guys doing there?"

Pikachu(Please help us, we're a little tired and hungry.) Pikachu pointed to a certain Pokeball in Ash's belt. While Grovyle held to a nearly unconscious Ash on Max's command, Max took the Pokeball and out came Grotle!

"Wow! Is that a new Pokemon?" Before marveling at the new species, Max, with the help of his Grovyle, hoisted Ash onto the turtle's back. Then they immediately took Ash to the Pokemon Center.

Minutes later, Ash's energy returned, gulping down his third tray of cheeseburgers in the center's cafeteria. Pikachu and the rest of Ash's Pokemon are now being looked after by Nurse Joy. Fortunately they didn't seem too exhausted, according to the nurse.

Max looked on at his friend as Ash asked for a fourth tray of food.

"Boy, Max, I'm glad you were there when you were," Ash said sheepishly. "Thanks."

"No problem. What are friends for?" Max shifted his gaze to the other room, where Ash's other Pokemon are. "I heard you went to the Sinnoh region when we left over a year ago. What was it like?"

"Not bad, though I think it would be better if you guys were there as well."

'I'll bet you mean my sister especially,' Max thought, snickering. Ash, clueless as ever, took no notice of Max's snicker. "So, that turtle-thing, is it one of the new species?"

"Yup. Its name is Grotle, and it's kinda like Sinnoh's version of Hoenn's Grovyle." Then Ash thought of something. "By the way, that Grovyle that helped me earlier... Is it yours?"

"Yeah."

Ash and Max went to the room with the other Pokemon. The first thing they saw was Max's Grovyle eyeing Ash's Sceptile with interest. The latter Pokemon just ignored the other, as it's not used to seeing a "younger" version of itself.

Grovyle(Hmm, so I'm going to be like you when I grow up?)

Sceptile(Hmmph. I really hope it won't be like that...)

Grovyle looked hurt at what Sceptile said.

Meanwhile, Ash's Grotle, was also watching the two Pokemon with interest. It didn't even notice the playful Totodile climbing up its back and hiding in one of Grotle's "growths". It seems that the little crocodile stole some of Ruxio's food, and the young lion is now looking for its prey.

Ruxio(I swear, I'm going to shock you when I find you.)

Totodile(I hope he doesn't see me here, he-he.)

"Wow, so they are your new Pokemon? It's amazing," Max commented. Staravia began warming up to Max, and the latter gladly stroke its feathers.

"Yeah, and aside from two I left back at the lab and Totodile and Sceptile here, this is the same team that won me the Sinnoh League a month ago." Ash decided to change the subject. "So, I'll bet you're here to compete for Brock's BoulderBadge, huh?"

"That's right. but when I went to the gym, no one's there. I decided to return to the center to ask for directions to Brock's family's house. And that's when I found you."

"Don't worry, I'll take you there myself."

"Thanks. So what about you? I'll bet you are gonna fight the Elite Four, huh?"

Ash nodded. Then he sheepishly added, "Problem is, I don't know where the first Elite trainer is."

Max smiled and sweatdropped. 'Same old Ash.'

Nurse Joy walked in. "If you're wondering where the Elite trainer of Kanto is, you would find her in Cerulean City."

"'Elite trainer of Kanto'? What do you mean?"

"Ash, you haven't exactly thought this through, have you? Do you even know how the challenge is supposed to go?" Max asked his friend slyly. It took a few seconds till it hit them.

Pretty soon, Max relayed to Ash what he read in a pamphlet in the Center's counter. At last, Ash understood how the challenge goes. But by the time they finished, the sun was setting.

"Looks like you'll just have to challenge Brock tomorrow," Ash commented. "But I'll take you to his house like I promised."

As the two friends left the Pokemon Center, Ash suddenly thought of something. If Brock knew Ash was around, the older trainer would easily deduce that Ash is going to the Elite Competition, after all.

"Listen, Max, I'll only take you to Brock's place, but I won't, uh, have time to drop by. I may have to leave without saying hi to Brock."

"Huh?"

"If Brock asks anything, don't tell him you met me here, okay?"

"But why?"

"It's a long story. But it has to be this way."

The two reached an intersection. Ash pointed to the west path. "This road will lead to Brock's house. Meanwhile, I'll be taking the Moon Trainline.' Ash pointed to the other direction. "It's nice to see you again, Max."

And Ash sped off, leaving Max behind, a puzzled look on his face.

Finally, Max reached a Brock's house. He was greeted by Brock's father Flint at the front door.

"You must be Max," he said, ushering Max in. "Brock didn't tell me he's going to have all his friends come here."

Max looked at him quizzically as Flint led him to the living room. There he found Brock conversing seriously with May and a new girl.

"Max!" May greeted her younger brother in surprise. Then she ran towards Max and hugged him.

"Well, this is certainly a surprise," Brock said.

"May?" Max returned the greeting. "What's going on?"

"Intoductions first. Max, this is Hikari, a friend of mine from Sinnoh. Hikari, this is Max, May's sister."

The two just nodded in greeting. Then he repeated his question. "What's going on here? And why are you here, sis? I thought you'd be in Pallet Town with A-" 'Oh, wait, that's not right, Ash just left for Cerulean City.'

After a few minutes of talking, Max just looked down on the floor. "If only I knew, I could have at least stopped him."

"What do you mean, Max?" May asked incredulously.

"I met up with Ash before I went here. Maybe that's why he didn't stop by to greet you, Brock."

"So that I won't be able to talk him out of it," Brock surmised.

"We'd better go after him, quick," Hikari suggested.

"The Trainline Station's closed for the night at this time. Ash got quite a headstart on us now."

Flint came in. "Why don't you kids just stay here until tomorrow? Lola took the kids on a holiday earlier today, so there would be plenty of room."

After dinner, Brock took his three guests to their rooms. May and Hikari would be sharing one of Brock's sister's rooms, while Max roomed in with Brock.

May couldn't sleep that night. She kept tossing and turning in her sleep, dreaming of herself chasing after Ash, saying that he's an idiot over and over.

May got up from her sleeping bag. Hikari just mumbled in her sleep, and turned away. May walked over to the bedroom window and opened it. In the faroff distance she could see Mt. Moon(in which the moon is directly above).

"Ash..."

At the same time, Ash just jolted awake from his slumber. Still feeling a little tired, Ash stole a glance at Pikachu. The little mouse was curled up in its sleep. He and Pikachu were the only people on the train. Ash glanced at the window behind him and saw Mt. Moon. And in his P.O.V. it still looks like the moon is directly above it.
CONTINUED...

Early in the morning(6:30, to be exact), the four friends headed over to the gym so Max could get his BoulderBadge.

"We have an hour till the Trainline Station opens. This will be a standard one-on-one battle, Max," Brock said, going over the rules to his challenger. "And just because you're my friend doesn't mean I'll take it easy on you."

Brock grinned to himself. 'Funny, the last time I had a Gym battle here was against Ash, before I went on a journey with him.'

Max nodded. "I won't take it easy on you either." Max looked ready to fight, Grovyle's Pokeball already clutched in his hand.

flint walked up the center podium, ready to referee the match. May and Hikari watched on a bench on Max's side of the field.

All three Sudowoodo charged Grovyle heads first. Not knowing which Sudowoodo was real, Grovyle made it an effort to evade all three attacks. The first two were clearly illusions, but Max realized it too late. The third Sudowoodo managed to hit Grovyle square on the chest. Grovyle stumbled, but it remained on its feet.

"Grovyle, are you okay?" Max asked anxiously. His Pokemon nodded.

Grrovyle(Just got the wind knocked out of me.) It grinned at its opponent, apparently liking the battle.

Brock smiled. "Sudowoodo, use Rock Throw!" Sudowodo complied and grabbed one of the large rocks dotted around the battlefield, and with no difficulty, hurled it towards Grovyle.

The other Pokemon reacted instinctively and used Leaf Blade on the projectile. The rock was sliced cleanly in half. But it was actually a distraction. Grovyle found its opponent charging in its direction for another Headbutt.

But this time Max was ready. "Grovyle, Agility!" Before Sudowoodo could connect, Grovyle vanished, and reappeared up above. "Now! Use Bullet Seed!"

Grovyle now began spitting seeds at its target below. While Sudowoodo shielded itself from the seeds, Grovyle dropped down for another Leaf Blade.

"Sudowoodo, Mega Punch!"

Just as Grovyle came down, Sudowoodo hurled one of its "branches" upwards for the Mega Punch. It was unclear which attack connected. For a brief second the two Pokemon were frozen still, Sudowoodo's hand still in the air and Grovyle crouched down on the ground. Then Sudowoodo faltered and fell on its back.

"Yes!" Max cheered.

"Victory goes to Max and his Grovyle," Flint announced, waving his hand in Max's direction.

"Good work, Max," May said, coming over to congratulate her brother.

"Thanks, sis," max replied, grinning.

Brock smiled and recalled his Sudowoodo back to its Pokeball. He crossed the field and handed Max his BoulderBadge. "You deserve this, Max. I hope you make it well at the Indigo League."

"Thanks."

Hikari just looked at her Poketch. "We'd better make our move, guys. If we leave now we could make it to the first round of the trainline."

"Right. Is everyone ready to go?" Brock asked. Everyone nodded. "Dad, I'll be going with them. Is that all right with you?"

"Don't worry, son. Although it might get a little lonely here."

"Mom said she would be returning with the others later in the afternoon," Brock reassured his father.

author's notes:I should have already explained this to you earlier: Mt. Moon is now a Pokemon reserve, prohibiting entry except for those who wish to study the Pokemon there. Trainers who wish to plan to go from Pewter City to Cerulean City will have to go take the Trainline that bypasses the whole area.

May, Max and Hikari sat at the bench on the ramp next to the tracks, waiting for Brock as he bought tickets. After wondering what's taking him long, they saw Toxicroak dragging the older trainer by its trousers again; it seems Brock found the female ticketseller attractive, as usual.

Max was once again fascinated by Brock's Pokemon. He whipped out his own Dex and trained it on the blue frog:

Toxicroak, the Cursing Pokemon

Toxicroak transports the powerful poison produced in its poison pouches to the spikes in its fists through the ducts in its arms.

After that little mishap, the quartet boarded the train, along with many other trainers. It seems that they are all on their way to Cerulean City, for the obvious reasons.

---

As for Ash... At the same time the others boarded the train, he is now in the Pokemon Center of Cerulean City, eating breakfast with Pikachu. Ash already had his Pokemon up for a last-minute check-up, just in case.

Ash already arrived in Cerulean City late last night, near midnight. Luckily, there was only one room to spare in the Center(despite their large hotel-like capacity). And Ash immediately took that room and got some well-needed rest.

It was a busy day for Cerulean City. Ash glanced at the T.V. monitor hanging from the ceiling at the cafeteria for everyone to see. On it was a news report regarding the Elite Competition. It seems Ash is too late for the first tier of challengers.

The female reporter was saying:

"After yesterday's amazing competition the Elite trainer Prima takes on her first of many challengers later today.

"Tickets are once again sold out for the Cerulean City Gym. But this time, instead of synchronized swimming by the famous gymleaders, we get to see the first of what we hope would be the many battles of the Elite Four.

"Back to you, Roger..." The news shifted back to the News Station.

Ash glanced at his toast. "Hmm... Prima? Isn't she the trainer we met in the Orange Archipelago roughly four years ago, Pikachu?"

Pikachu never heard what Ash was saying. Ash sweatdropped as he saw why: The little rodent was once again holding on to a bottle of ketchup like it was in love with it or something.

"Looks like I have to see this battle for myself." Ash got up, paid for his ketch- I mean, breakfast, and he and Pikachu left the Center for the gym. The check-up on Ash's Pokemon may take a little while(his is in waiting after many others).

Trainer and Pokemon exited the Center just as more trainers are coming in.

"Man, Pikachu," Ash said to his partner, while walking to the gym. "These people must be here about the whole Elite Four thing, huh?"

Pikachu only nodded, though it wasn't paying attention. Why? It still is holding on to that little red bottle even after they left.

"I need someone to talk to," Ash remarked, sighing, sitting on a curb on the road. A couple of ten-year-olds passed by, both holding merchandise about the Elite Four.

After resting his legs, Ash then got up, and resumed walking to the gym. It was full of people, and uniformed guards were standing at the gym's double doors.

"Sorry, people," one of the guards said, and Ash recognized her as an Officer Jenny. "The gym is full. You'll have to watch the battle on the outdoor monitor."

She pointed to a large flatscreen displayed above them all. Ash looked at it and saw that the battle was now under way.

Standing on one end of the gym pool was the Elite trainer Prima, looking exactly like the way Ash met her before. Dressed in a black-and-red suit(I don't know what her suit in the games was called, sorry) and glasses. Her Pokemon in the current battle is a Blastoise.

Her opponent is a tan young man not older than Ash, wearing surfing coveralls. The challenger has a Jolteon on his side. The match is already half-finished, as the screen's scoreboard shows Prima has won two battles already, and her opponent has yet to win one.

Mr. "Surfer" ordered a Thunder Attack from his Jolteon. But Blastoise avoided it with Protect. Prima then had Blastoise Withdraw, and then Rapid Spin. The giant spinning shell hit Jolteon hard, and the yellow fox was easily knocked out. A loud buzzer then sounded to end the match, with Prima as victor(obviously).

"Wow," a male trainer in front of Ash was saying to his friend. "She creamed the guy in three rounds... And he was the one with a type advantage."

"Yeah," his friend replied. "Prima really deserves to be called an Elite trainer."

Ash returned his gaze to the monitor, and clenched his fist in a mixture of anticipation, and dread. It would be great to fight a trainer of Prima's caliber, of course, but what if Ash loses. Ash shook his head to clear himself of such thought.

"All right, Pikachu," Ash commented to his partner, "we're going to have to train harder if we want to beat Prima."

"Dude," the trainer from before turned around to look at Ash. "You mean you're going to enter that Pikachu in the competition?"

"Uh, yeah," Ash answered. "Why?"

"Dude, only water Pokemon are allowed in the event," the trainer said. "You're Pikachu is, like, an electric-type."

"Only water pokemon?!" Ash exclaimed. "I didn't know about that!"

"Hope you have water Pokemon in your party if you want to compete," the other trainer said with sympathy. "My name's Bryan, and I'm entering the competition myself."

"Hi, my name's Ash. Excuse me, I have to go back to the Pokemon Center to make a call. Good luck. Hope I face you in the competition," Ash shouted over his shoulder as he ran back.

"Same to you, dude."

Ash reached the Center in record time. He stopped for a breather, then headed for the counter.

"Nurse Joy, how're my Pokemon doing?"

"Ah, yes. Ash Ketchum, is it?" Nurse Joy reached from a tray behind her and handed Ash his five Pokeballs. "No need to worry. They're as good as new."

Good job with the chapters. Ash was quite in character. Tracey seemed kind-of boring, but that might just be the way he is. I didn't see much of Orange Islands - I was mad that Brock left. Misty though, was bland. Might want to work on her a bit.

Nice plot development. It's different from most stories, which really sets it apart. I like this much better then alot of other stories I've read.

Ash is still at the Pokemon Center, discussing his dilemma with himself(that Prima's competition requires water Pokemon only, and that Ash doesn't have any other than Totodile on his current roster) when he found himself confronted by his longtime friends.

Brock, May, Hikari, Max and Misty all walked into the Cerulean Pokemon Center to find Ash. He was so surprised to see all of them there that he was at a loss for words.

Even when he finally found his voice, Ash decided not to talk to any of them. He just ignored them, walking away until May asked him to stop. Ash stopped, but he didn't turn around.

"Ash, we are only wondering if you really know of the gravity of the situation you're in," Brock spoke up. "Fighting the Elite Four... Putting your Pokemon on the line..."

"Yes, I know," Ash replied.

"Then tell us why you want to do it," Misty put in.

"You guys will never understand."

Brock walked up to Ash and put a hand on his shoulder. "How long have we all known each other? Try us."

Ash turned around, but he didn't look at Brock directly. "My Pokemon. They know how much is at stake as I do. That afternoon I spent alone with them in Pallet Town... I talked it over with them."

"And-?"

"And I thought, that, my Pokemon trust me as much as I trust them. They're willing to fight for my dream, for this battle. And that's what I intend to do. And I swear that I will not lose this time."

Brock sighed. "Once your mind is made up, I guess there's nothing for us to do but see what happens. I just want to make sure you know what is at stake."

"We'll be rooting for you, as usual, Ash,"Hikari said. "Just don't leave without telling us again, will ya? Someone may get a little offended." She smiled at May. The latter ignored her, though she was clearly blushing.

The Cerulean Gym was temporarily closed(for preparation for the next competition), so Misty took her friends to the outskirts of the city. She took them to the Cerulean Cape. They were not alone, however, as other challengers are already there, training their Water Pokemon for the competition.

Ash sent out his three water Pokemon: Kingler, a large, but friendly crab; Totodile, the mischievous little lizard from before; and the lobster Corphish, who may be the only other Pokemon to match Totodile personality-wise.

Meanwhile, the others decided to add business with pleasure. As they watched Ash train his Pokemon, we find the three girls sunbathing, Max building a sandcastle with Pikachu and three of his Pokemon: another Corphish, a Wingull and a Barboach. Meanwhile, Brock started gawking at the bikini-clad girls at the beach. Fortunately Toxicroak is there to keep him in line.

"Totodile, GO!" Ash commanded, and Totodile swam very fast in the water, made a lap around a bouy, and sped back. "Two minutes, five seconds. Not bad, Totodile," Ash declared, checking the reptile's time. "It's your turn, Corphish."

Corphish, to Totodile's dislike, shaved five seconds off Totodile's time. After his lap, Corphish jumped for joy.

Corphish(HA! Beat that, you little crocodile.)

Totodile(Hmph.)

Ash took no notice of this little rivalry sparking up between his two Pokemon. He is now instructing Kingler to pull a large(and heavy) wooden board across the perimeter of the beach. Kingler took a little longer than expected, as it has to avoid other Pokemon training on the beach. In this task Ash is trying to strengthen Kingler's already superb upper strength.

At nightfall, all three Pokemon were exhausted, and so is Ash. The beach is empty except for the five of them, so they decided to end it for the day. The competition starts tommorow, so Ash and the Pokemon better get a good night's rest.

While the gym is still off-limits, Misty decided to spend time with her friends at the Pokemon Center. Unfortunately, only Ash's booked room from earlier provided room for all of them. Misty, May and Hikari squeezed into the only bed, while the rest camped out on the floor.

---

At a quarter past 1:00, Ash woke up. Taking care not to wake the others, he tiptoed his way out of the crowded room with a little difficulty and closing the door behind him. The doorknob clicked a little, but Ash didn't bother.

Ash was hungry, as he always is before a match. Fotunately, the center is open overnight, so Ash went to the counter. The Nurse Joy here was replaced by (of course) another Joy for the night shift.

"Uh, so, Nurse Joy, is the cafeteria still open?"

"Go ahead. I'm expecting more trainers to come even at this hour. So you can order something still."

"Thanks." Ash made himself comfortable at a table in the corner of the cafeteria. Ash looked out the window and saw the Cerulean Gym in the distance. As he began wondering what sort of competition he will face later that day(technically), May appeared.

"I heard you go out, Ash," May said, taking a seat across from Ash.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's okay? But shouldn't you be resting for tomorrow?"

"I'm just restless, that's all."

May smiled at him. "By the way, Ash. Your mother asked me to remind you of something."

Ash sighed. "Is it about the you-know-whats again?"

"Aside from that," May answered, giggling a little. "She also wanted me to tell you that she, as well as everyone else in Pallet Town, are supporting you all the way."

"Yes." Ash then noticed that May was carrying a bag. She handed it over to Ash. "She also told me to change your clothes."

After a few minutes in the washroom, Ash emerged, wearing his new attire, and his old jacket hanging by his arms. He decided to leave it open, and a black tanktop was visible as an undershirt.

"Not bad," May commented. "And now for the finishing touch..." She handed Ash his new hat, which he put on immediately. Ash noticed that the hat looked better on him if worn backwards, so he let it stay that way.

May looked at Ash while holding his old clothes, though he didn't notice. 'He looks even better than before.'

---

At a quarter to three, Joy walked in to find Ash and May sleeping side by side on the dining table they took earlier. May has her head on Ash's shoulders, while Ash had his head resting on top of May's head.

She smiled, and turned off the lights in their section of the cafeteria. Joy left, but returned a little while later, holding a blanket. She placed it on top of the two sleeping teens.

---

Max woke up at the sound of a shower. He put on his glasses and glanced at his PokeNav. It was 7:00 A.M, just an hour before the competition. He was inclined to wake Ash up first, but realised that his sleeping bag was empty except for a sleeping Pikachu.

After great difficulty, Max hurled himself and Brock outside. Before he closed the door, Max heard Misty's voice, "I'm glad you understand quickly, Max."

Max heaved a huge sigh of relief. He leaned on the wall as he watched Brock muttering in his sleep. 'I wonder wher Ash has gone this time?'

---

At another place in the center, Ash and May are just waking up from their slumber as well. May was surprised at first when she saw the blanket covering her and Ash, but reconsidered it. Ash rubbed his eyes and yawned.

"What time is it?"

"Time to wake up, silly," May said, playfully nudging Ash.

"Hey, guys," a voice called out to them. It was Max, closely followed by Brock. "We've been wondering where you went, and here you are."

"Hmm, Ash," Brock looked at his friend slyly, a hand on his chin. "You know, if you want to spend some time alone together, you could have just asked, you know."

"No, it's not like that!" May said suddenly. Ash looked at her quizzically. They were saved from further embarassment by the arrival of more trainers.

"By the way, nice clothes, Ash. Kinda reminds me of a character in a comic book."

After a few minutes, the party was joined by Misty and Hikari. Together they all went to the Cerulean Gym, where a large crowd is already gathered.

Pikachu hopped off Ash's shoulder and was scooped up by May. She held the little mouse close to her.

"We'll be in the stands, rooting for you," Brock added.

"Good luck!" Everyone said at the same time.

Ash watched his friends disappear to the back of the gym, where the spectators of the event must be gathered. Ash grabbed the front of his new jacket and pulled on them to make them look straight.

Finally, the Elite trainer Prima appeared from the double doors of the gym. She called for the crowd's attention. "For those who were here to watch the first event, I must tell you that the challenge you will be taking will be much different from the one before.

"Now, the rules: 1)Only Water-type Pokemon are allowed in this event; and 2)Using any means of cheating will be dealt with immediately. Your actions will be closely monitored during the whole event."

Prima looked seriously at them all, and her eyes seemed to be concentrated on Ash(though no one noticed). Ash didn't look away, and Prima could tell his face is full of determination.

"Now, enter. And good luck to all of you."

Ash followed the other trainers into the gym. Prima stood near the double doors, watching all of them closely.

Ash looked around, but could see nothing but the back of another trainer, as it was completely dark. Then suddenly the overhead lights turned on, and everyone was blinded.

All the spoltlights now trained their beams on a billboard at the front of the trainers. There was writing on it:

All challengers. The competition is simple. In the "revamped" Cerulean aquarium are small treasures, expertly hidden and protected by traps. The first to make it out with three treasures will win the challenge. Contact between competitors shall be limited to one-on-one Pokemon battles only. There's no limit to how many trainers participate in one battle. If a trainer loses the battle, he/she is immediately disqualified. And any treasure he/she gathered will be free to be confiscated by other competitors.

Ash noticed that when they meant that the aquarium was revamped, the large tank of water was even made larger. As he observed the new size of the pool, everyone else had stripped to their swim gear. Ash only started to remove his own clothes while most have already jumped in.

Meanwhile, the spectators were gathered around a large T.V. monitor that was broadcasting the competition.

"What is Ash doing?" Brock muttered angrily. "He had an awful start."

"He needs to hurry up if he wants to take the lead and win," Max agreed with him.

May held Pikachu closer to her, as the little mouse began to worry as well.

When Ash finally jumped in, there were about five to six battles going on around the pool at once. Ash called out Corphish, and they swam towards the makeshift coral at the port edge at the bottom. Ash has already noticed earlier that there was a glint in that direction.

Ash searched around the rocks, and found a small sparkling ruby the size of his middle finger. Corphish tugged on Ash's shorts, and the trainer noticed that a Qwilfish is heading their way. Ash ordered a Crabhammer, but the Qwilfish countered with Pin Missile. Corphish protected itself with Harden, and the missiles just bounced off it.

Ash just held on to the ruby, and then sensed an approaching trainer, who must be Qwilfish's. Corphish once again Crabhammered the Quilfish, and connected. The little bloatfish was stunned.

Ash quickly tangled with another trainer. The trainer, a redhead Triathlete, ordered her Octillery to Wrap around Ash's Corphish. Ash thought of recalling Corphish and sending out Kingler. But before he could, Octillery was hit from behind by a Seadra's thrash attack. Ash looked around to see to whom the Seadra belonged to, and saw Bryan from earlier. the other trainer gave a saluting sign to Ash, and Ash finds himself an ally.

But as the two had their backs to each other, a Floatsel came speeding towards them in one direction, a Seaking in the other, and a Wailmer in another.

Cornered, what are our trainers to do?

Before making impact, Ash signalled to Bryan, Corphish and Seadra to the count of three. All four of them swam upwards at he last second, and the attacking Pokemon crashed into each other.

Their attackers are relentless, and the opposing trainers called out a Cloyster, Sharpedo and Remoraid. Ash recalled his exhausted Corphish and called out his Kingler. Bryan called out a Vaporeon.

Kingler immediately used Crabhammer on the Sharpedo. The shark Pokemon countered with Crunch, biting Kingler in one of its claws. As Kingler was trying to shake Sharpedo off, Cloyster bombarded it with Pin Missile. Vaporeon blocked the attack on Kingler with water Gun, but then was tackled by Remoraid.

Back outside, everyone was startled by the free-for-all and Ash's disadvantage.

"Great," Misty complained. "Ash found an ally, but they get triple teamed."

"Isn't that against the rules?" Hikari wondered.

Brock browsed through the rule book he was studying. "No. It is a sort of Battle Royal. Anyhting goes."

"Ash seemed to have found a treasure first, so everyone's going after him," Max commented.

"According to the scoreboard, two other trainers have already found two," Misty pointed out. "So why pick on Ash?"

A voice behind them answered. "It's because they want to get rid of the biggest threat." Everyone turned to look at Prima, approaching them.

Brock went all goo-goo eyes again, but was stopped by Max. "What do you mean by 'biggest threat'?"

"It seems your friend is wide-known as a Pokemon League Champion of Sinnoh. So all challengers think that they have a better chance of beating your friend if-"

"They all team up against Ash..." May finished the sentence for her.

Bryan ordered his Vaporeon to use Iron Tail on the attacking remoraid. The water fox complied, and Remoraid was knocked out by the attack. A buzzer sounded, and suddenly, mechanical arms grabbed the Remoraid, Floatsel, and their trainer, and pulled them out of the pool. The scoreboard flashed with the following words:

Three of 20 competitors down.

'So that's how they take competitors out,' Ash thought. Bryan grabbed his defeated opponent's treasure, a clear diamond, and gave a thumbs-up to Ash and sped off with his Vaporeon.

ash then ordered his Kingler to use a full-on Water Gun on Sharpedo. The spray of water hit Sharpedo right on the face, temporarily blinding it. Kingler immediately finished it off with Stomp, crushing the shark to the pool floor.

The buzzer sounded again, and the trainer and her(I didn't imply it) Pokemon were taken out of the pool.

Four of 20 competitors down.

Ash looked around and saw a sapphire from where his opponent once stood, and saw a sapphire. He made to grab for it, but he was beaten to it by a Tentacruel's tentacles.

Kingler grabbed the tenatcle holding the treasure, but in the process set off a small explosion in the cliff behind them. Kingler and the Tentacruel were both stunned by the rocks that fell on them.

Ash checked to see if his Kingler is all right, but the Cloyster from before now started advancing on him. Ash called out Corphish again, and the lobster clamped its claws on Cloyster. The Cloyster Withdrawed, so no effect. Corphish readied itself for another attack, but Cloyster used IceBeam on it. Corphish was frozen!

Ash is now down to his last Pokemon, and called out Totodile. The Cloyster launched Pin Missile, but the little crocodile was too fast for the attack.

Ash recalled Kingler and Corphish, and searched the rocks for the sapphire. He found the blue jewel wedged in one of the rocks, and pried it off.

Meanwhile, Totodile landed a Bite attack on Cloyster, but the shell was too thick for Totodile's teeth. While Totodile grabbed its jaw in agony, Cloyster clamped its shell on Totodile's left leg. Totodile howled in pain and tried to get free, but Cloyster only tightened the hold.

Ash was wondering what to do, when Totodile began to flash white. Totodile began growing in size. After the light disappeared, the small reptile is gone, but in its place is a large light blue crocodile. Totodile has evolved into Croconaw!

Ash took one glance at his newly evolved Pokemon and immediately adapted. Ash ordered Croconaw to break Cloyster's grip on itself. Croconaw managed to with little effort, as it seems Croconaw has pretty good strength.

Ash punched the water in victory, as the Cloyster and its trainer were given the same treatment as the previous defeateds. Ash looked at his treasures: the ruby and sapphire. Ony one treasure left. Ash looked around, and saw an(guess what?) emerald. And Ash saw Bryan coming in from the other direction. It seems he's also one treasure short, and he also has seen the emerald.

Both trainers looked each other in the eye and nodded. It would have to be a battle between them. Ash sent Croconaw forward, and Bryan called Vaporeon.

The two Pokemon both used Water Gun, which met in midstream. After the impact Croconaw continued swimming towards Vaporeon, trying to land a hit with Headbutt. Vaporeon evaded the attack with Agility. Croconaw then tried to make a grab for Vaporeon's tail. He suceeded, and threw Vaporeon into the pool wall with a Seismic Toss.

The impact not only knocked Vaporeon out, but it cracked the glass wall o the pool. Water came gushing out of the crack the batte made, followed by the remaining trainers and Pokemon. They al spilled safely to the floor.

Ash sat on the floor, breathing heavily, Croconaw next to him. Bryan, meanwhile, was checking his Vaporeon for possible bruises. The gym's double doors opened, and security came filing in, closely followed by Prima.

The other trainers began lining up in front of Prima. It seems that six trainers have completed the challenge. Officer Jenny turned to Prima.

"There are six trainers qualified," she confirmed. "What now?"

"We will start a tournament as a second round," Prima answered. "However, we need two more to start."

Bryan stepped up, and held out three treasures in his hand: the diamond, a pink pearl and the emerald. Bryan seems to have gotten to the emerald first. "Make it seven, babe."

"We need a last competitor," Prima spoke up. "However, the match can't continue due to the wreckage of the 'arena'." Everyone groaned.

Ash stood up, his head hung in defeat. As he stood up, something caught Bryan's eye. He stooped to pick something up from the spot where Ash sat, and held out a round crystal. "Looks like you have your eighth competitor, babe," Bryan spoke up. "My little friend here is sitting on this treasure." He took Ash's arm and raised it.

Officer Jenny looked at Prima who nodded. "It's official," Jenny announced to the crowd. "The second round will be an eight-man tournament. All participants gather here tomorrow at 8:00 for more details."

Ash cheered, and so did Croconaw. The crocodile tried to dance like it did in its previous form, but felt awkward due to its size.

After the competitors picked up their clothes(which the pool water unfortunately doused) the crowd began to thin, and Ash saw his friends approach.

"Great job, Ash," Brock complimented.

Pikachu(Well done.) The rodent hopped off May and climbed back to its usual spot on Ash's shoulder.

"Thanks, Nurse Joy." As Ash turned around, he saw May come into the center.

"You have to stop this habit of always leaving us behind, Ash," she complained, arms crossed.

Ash scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry 'bout that."

Together the two of them walked back to the park. Unknown to them, the others have already left, on Brock's "orders", to give them some time alone.

Ash sent out his Pokemon, and May did the same. Aside from the three water-types and Pikachu, Ash also has Sceptile and Luxio.

Ash and May went to sit on a park bench, while their Pokemon mingled with others.

Munchlax is looking with great interest at a nearby hotdog stand; Sceptile, as usual, is lounging on a tree branch(I'm surprised the branch is strong enough to hold the Pokemon); Pikachu found playmates with wayward Plusle and Minun, joined by Squirtle; Blaziken looked intentively at Sceptile. The lounging Pokemon could sense that Blaziken wanted a practice battle, and it complied.

The two Pokemon are now sparring, which attracted many spectators.

Unsurprisingly, Brock and the others didn't actually leave. They are found hiding in the bushes a few feet from the two.

"Sitting in the bench together with your true love," Max said in an airy voice to mock a romantic atmosphere, and made a face. "Yech."

"Everyone already got the plan?" Brock whispered to his companions.

"'Make sure that Ash and May become a couple at the end of the day,'" Misty repeated Brock's words. "Yeah, we heard it a dozen times already."

Unknown to them, Ash and May are perfectly aware of their presence.

"They still there?" Ash mouthed to May, so the others couldn't hear.

"Unfortunately, yes," May replied, stroking her Espeon.

Ash sighed. "I'm 15 years old, and they still think I couldn't build a romantic relationship? Some friends they turn out to be."

"Well, it's your idea to keep this under wraps. When do you think we should tell them?"

"I, uh, I don't know. But not now, especially."

It's May's turn to sigh. 'For how long we've been keeping it a secret, everyone will definitely be surprised,' she thought.

CONTINUED...

-Hmm, a Charizard, a Sceptile, and, soon, a Feraligatr. Anyone know what i'm trying to pull here?
-A funny flashback the next chapter. In my opinion, a good play on one of my favorite Pokemon(game- and anime-wise).

A very, very(times infinity) crazy title below. My first portrayal of my all-time favorite Pokemon. Too bad, he doesn't get any battles here(yet).

EF06: Charizard Plays Cupid

(FLASHBACK)

More than a year ago...

It was nighttime, and the four friends have stopped at a nearby town before deciding what to do next. Brock decided to give them a treat by serving dinner at the Pokemon Center's outside lawn.

Ash has just won the Brave Symbol, and became, er, champion of the Battle Frontier. He is happily rejoicing with the Pokemon roster he used: Pikachu, Squirtle, Bulbasaur and Charizard. May watched the scene, secretly happy to see Ash finally defeating the Frontier Brain Brandon.

Charizard felt submissive, feeling it let its trainer down by losing in the first round. Its pride was shattered.

Ash approached his forlorn dragon. "Come on, Charizard, cheer up. You put up a good fight, even though Dusclops beat you..."

The other three Pokemon slapped their heads(vinewhip with Bulbasaur), indicating they know Ash said the wrong thing. This prompted an extra-hot Flamethrower to Ash.

Ash, after recovering from Charizard's unprovoked attack, sat on the table-side bench and sighed.

"I gotta do something to boost Charizard's spirits," he said absentmindedly to himself.

"That's going to be hard, knowing your Charizard," Brock commented, after taste-testing his stew. "No offense, Ash, but ever since we left it in the Charicific Valley, I'm surprised Charizard still makes its way back and obey you."

"I know."

"Hey, what about a practice match for it?" Max suggested. "I'm pretty sure Charizard's pride will return after a good battle."

It didn't seem like a bad idea. Though there's one catch: None of their Pokemon are ready to face the 'hothead'. The closest decision would be a tie between two other felllow starters on their team: May's Combusken(it still hasn't evolved yet) and Sceptile. But the former lacks experience compared to the dragon, while facing the latter would only cause disaster due to contrasting natures and personalities.

"I can't send Charizard back to the Valley like this," Ash said.

In the end they gave up on the dragon, for the day. But Ash hasn't, yet.

---

It was about midnight, and it was very quiet in the Pokemon center. In one bunkroom slept the four companions, Ash, Brock, May and Max. Ash and Brock took the bottom part of their respective bunk beds while the latter two slept at the top bunks.

Ash tossed and turned in his sleep, still thinking about Charizard. He opened his eyes, and stared at the bottom of the bunk above, which is May sleeping. Careful not to wake Pikachu on his bed or anyone else, Ash tiptoed out of the room(a habit he carried on to current time).

May woke up when the door to their room clicked when Ash closed it. She slowly climbed down from the upper bunk and immediately saw Ash is not in bed.

May made her way out of the room, and into the Center's main hall. It was dark(it is midnight, after all), save for dimlights. May inched her way to the reception area, where a Chansey is positioned at the desk.

May heard a low rumble outside, and recognized the sound to come from Charizard.

"Sshh, Charizard, don't be too noisy or we'll wake everyone up." The voice belonged to Ash, and May could see him trying to settle the Pokemon down.

"Ash?"

Ash was startled to hear his name being called. He turned around and was relieved to find that it was only May. "Oh, sorry, May, I didn't mean to wake you..."

"What are you doing up so late?"

Charizard snickered. (Aww, isn't that sweet? She cares for you.)

"Well, I thought that since Charizard loves flying so much, I decided to give him one trip, before sending him back to the Valley."

Charizard roared, but Ash clamped the Pokemon's mouth shut with his hands. The fiery Pokemon retaliated by spitting Ember on Ash's palms.

As Ash began blowing on his hands to cool them, an idea struck his head. "I know, May, why don't you ride with Charizard and I?"

Charizard glared at its trainer, but said nothing.

"W-what-? B-but... I- Are you sure it's safe?"

"Sure. Charizard can lift something as heavy as a Blastoise. So we're like a couple of lightweights compared to that."

(I swear, I'm only doing this so you could get a move with this girl, Ash.)

May still felt a little nervous. She has ridden other Pokemon before, but it won't definitely be what it would be like on Charizard.

"No, maybe I'll just stay here..."

"Nonsense, May. Come on, afraid of falling?" May nodded. "Don't worry, I'll be behind you on Charizard's back while you ride close to the neck. I won't let you fall. I promise."

These last words changed May's composure, as next we see her climbing onto Charizard's back, between the wings and neck. Ash climbed in behind her, and on his signal, they took off.

"Where are the reins?" May asked frantically as she hugged onto Charizard's neck.

(When did I need reins? What am I? A Ponyta?)

"Don't worry, May, I got you," Ash said from behind her. And May felt herself leaning backwards on Ash's chest. "Okay, Charizard, one round on the mountain!"

Charizard sensed how close in contact the two passengers were and smirked.

(Hope you two don't get too lovey-dovey on me... Oh, wait, that was the original plan.)

May felt the breeze ruffling her hair as Charizard circled the mountain Ash pointed to. Ash braced his arms near Charizrd's wings, for balance. Unwittingly, May let go of holding Charizard and found herself holding onto Ash's arms.

After circling, Ash ordered Charizard to stop and return to the Center. But the wily dragon had other ideas. He then flew up to the highest ledge on the mountain and landed there. Charizard then brushed Ash and May off its back, and the two landed on the ground.

"Hey," Ash said angrily to his Pokemon. "What was that for?"

Charizard didn't listen. It then flipped on its side and began to snore(it is in the same position as it was when lounging during Mid-Kanto up to early-Johto).

May looked over the edge of the cliff they're on. She shuddered at the thought of how high they are. Ash, however, continued to try to get Charizard to "wake up".

"Great," Ash muttered, giving up for the time being. "We're stuck here."

"And no one knows that we even left until hours from now, unless they wake up early."

Ash sat down on a rock, stole a glance at Charizard and sighed. May stopped looking over the edge and sat next to him.

"Sorry, May, that I got you into this."

"It's alright, Ash. It wasn't your fault."

"I dunno why Charizard acted that way all of a sudden."
Author's Note: since Charizard's sound is close to a rumble, it would be hard(for Ash and May) to tell that it is actually awake, only pretending to be asleep. They think it was snoring, but Charizard is actually rumbling words of encouragement for Ash, even though it knows that they won't understand it. And remember, in my fic, Pokemon's speech is translated with ().

(Believe me, you'll thank me for this later.)

May shivered, and Ash looked at her in concern. "It's really cold."

"Yeah, what a time for me to choose to fly with Charizard."

(She's cold, idiot. Hand her your jacket-thingy.)

May and Ash sat closely together, and Ash sublimely took Charizard's advice. He took off his "jacket-thingy" and gave it to May.

"Here, so you won't catch a cold."

"But, Ash, what about you?"

"I've been through worse conditions. Right, Charizard?"

(Yeah. Strangely, I was turned back to a Charmander when it happened. Stupid episode planners.)

"Thank, you," May said, and put it on. She felt warmer now, in more ways than one.

For minutes, Ash and May said nothing. Charizard canted its head a little(it's back was to them) to see if they're still awake. It was relieved to see that the two of them were just silently staring at the stars.

"Ash, have you ever wondered what you want to do in the future?"

"Yeah. I'm going to be a Pokemon Master."

Charizard slapped its head and rolled its eyes(Not again. How dense could you get?)

May was slightly annoyed as well, but not like Charizard's magnitude. "Have you even thought of how it is supposed to be done? Being a Master?"

"He, he... Uh, no..." This time both May and Charizard rolled their eyes. "I think it's got something to do with either capturing Pokemon or becoming the best."

(Well, duh...)

"Then what comes after that? If you do become a Master, what will you do next?"

"What do you mean?"

May blushed. "You know, are you going to raise a family?"

(Oooh, this gets pretty interesting.)

Ash scratched his head. May just gave him something awkward to think about.

(Why didn't they make me a Psychic-type? I'd want to get to Ash's head to tell him ALL ABOUT LOVE!)

The last roar was emphasized by a Flamethrower. Ash and May were too used to it to care.

Back to the question.

"A family? Hm, haven't thought of that."

May sighed, and rested her head on Ash's shoulder. The latter was a bit taken aback at the gesture but didn't resist.

"Ash, is there a girl that you like?"

Ash slipped off the rock they were sitting on to the floor. "Uh, well, I, uh... Y-yeah. I guess..."

(That's a surprise.) No sarcasm intended. Charizard was indeed surprised.

May looked at him. "Anybody I know?"

"Uh, yeah, you know her..."

May quivered her lip, as Ash rejoined her. May decided to drop the subject.

---

It was 6:00 when Charizard finally decided to take the two back. Brock and Max greeted Ash and May when they landed at the front of the Pokemon Center.

While Ash and May talked with their friends, Charizard was having its own conversation with the Pokemon.

"Where've you guys been?" Max asked his sister, worried.

"Sorry, Max, Ash just let Charizard exercise its wings and I came along."

Ash looked at Charizard. "You know, you're really acting weird. But never mind that. You will be returning to the Valley now, right?"

Charizard nodded. In a split second, it took off. It gave one last roar, and with a wave of goodbye and cheer from its Pokemon friends, Charizard flew away.

"So, sis, what's it like riding a Pokemon like Charizard?"

"It was fine, I guess." But May wasn't paying attention. Her eyes were still on Ash, and Brock immediately noticed this.

CONTINUED...

Ooops... I forgot. This is the translation of Charizard's last roar:

"I hope the next time I appear, I'd be coming to a wedding! With CAKE!!"

The other Pokemon(Pikachu, Bulbasaur and Squirtle) made their replies like this when they said farewell to Charizard: "We'll guarantee it."

Plus Squirtle said to Bulbasaur: "Especially when this guy returns to the lab, he's gonna make sw-"

Unfortunately, Bulbasaur wrapped its vines around Squirtle's mouth to interrupt.

WARNING! WARNING! In my opinion, major fluff and OOC (for Ash) ahead, I think. Plus, a little reference to the 9th movie, so there might be spoilers involved if you haven't watched it yet. You've been warned.

EF07:Confessions of a Pokemon Trainer

May felt a little subdued after her experience riding Charizard with Ash. She realises that maybe Ash just isn't inclined towards building a relationship yet.

To May, it could be too late, 'cause before returning to Pallet Town, she has made up her mind in going to Johto.

Along the way, the four friends made one last stop. There was a contest in the town they arrived in. May enters, of course, but it comes as a surprise to everyone that Ash entered as well.

"Eh, I just thought I'd give it a try," Ash answered their inquisitive gazes.

The contest went on like the way it was in the episode: Ash and May appealing with Pikachu and Eevee, respectively; and the two qualifying for the battle round; then the occasional TR appearance that doesn't miss every episode. Here, May's Combusken evolves to its Stage 2 form: Blaziken. You know, the usual...

Everything's the same, up to the battle round, where it's Ash's Sceptile vs. May's Blaziken.

I'd have to say these two were pretty impressive. Sceptile, it manages to hold its own even with a type disadvantage. And Blaziken was pretty wicked, for a newly-evolved Pokemon.

The two Pokemon were at it the whole battle round, taking away the opposing appeal points.

They were exhausted, and that triggered their respective abilities: Overgrow and Blaze. For the finale, they used Solarbeam(for Sceptile) and Overheat(for Blaziken). The impact of the two attacks filled the battlefield with smoke. When the smoke cleared, the time is up, and Ash and May were left with the same amount of appeal points, making it a tie.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: and now here's where it changes.

"The winners of this contest," Nurse Joy announced, "are Ash and May!" The crowd cheered, and Nurse Joy strode over to them, holding out the ribbon. "Congratulations to both of you. But, I only have one ribbon here. Which one-"

"Let Ash take it," May said suddenly. Ash turned to her, puzzled.

"Uh, May-" Ash began, but May cut him off.

"Don't worry about it," she said, bowing her head so they couldn't see her face. "After all, that's what you care about, isn't it?"

May ran off, after that remark. She even left Blaziken behind, who looked concerned. The crowd began chatting about May's behavior, to Brock's, Max's and Pikachu's annoyance.

Ash stood between Blaziken and Sceptile, baffled, with the ribbon dangling from his hand. The two Stage 2s looked at Ash, knowing pretty well what made May upset.

Blaziken agreed with Sceptile. (You don't know how much it would mean to her, Ash...)

Ash looked at the two Pokemon and seemed to understand what they said. And after recalling Sceptile to its Pokeball, Ash went off after May.

Ash found her in one of the secluded areas of the park, where they practiced(and fought TR earlier). May was swinging in one of the swings. Ash walked over to her, but May just ignored him.

"May, it's not like you to run off like that," Ash said, as he sat on another swing beside May. "Something bothering you?"

"It's nothing." But Ash noticed May wiping her eyes, which were covered in tears.

Ash stared at the ground. 'Oh, man, is she really upset? But why? It's not like I did something wrong or anything. Maybe it's because I tied with her in the contest, and she's the experienced one in that department. Must have hurt her Coordinator pride.'

As Ash continued pondering, he didn't notice May was looking at him. When he did notice, he turned, and their eyes met.

"Wow, May, you have beautiful eyes, you know that?"

"Stop that. It's not like you to say something like that..."

Ash scratched his head. "Really?"

"You're not exactly a romantic type, Ash." May froze. 'I just said it! Oh, no...' But May's feelings didn't stop her there. "I can still remember it clearly that you didn't think about raising a family yet."

"Huh, you're right. But come on, May, I'm thirteen, too early to get married or something like that..."
AUTHOR'S NOTES:this is assuming Ash and co. spent more than a year in Sinnoh. Ash could have gotten two birthdays between now and the present.

"Alright, Ash, I get it..."

"Besides, I still have plenty of time to to get a girl like you." Ash choked, realising what he just said.

"Remember after the Grand Festival, when Drew," (Ash clenched his fists at the sound of Drew's name), "asked to talk to me alone? He said he would be going to Johto. To compete in the contests there with the other coordinators..."

Ash, as usual, comes to the farthest thought in his mind. "Hope you pack up big. Johto is a vast region. I remember how long it took me to get from Ecruteak to Olivine..." Ash realised that what he said was completely off-topic to what he actually wanted to say.

May looked at him quizzically. 'Maybe Ash doesn't want to get a girlfriend, after all.'

Ash slapped himself on the head. Before he could say anything more, May stood up. She started to leave, but Ash immediately reached for her hand, stopping her.

May looked at him. "Listen, Ash, it's getting late. I have to get a good night's rest. The ferry for Cherrygrove leaves early tomorrow."

"Okay, it will only take a second." Ash called out Sceptile. Ash took out the ribbon from before. "Sceptile, use Leaf Blade on the ribbon!" The reptile complied and Ash tossed the ribbon in the air. Sceptile sliced the ribbon in half.

Ash caught both pieces in his hands. May looked dumbfounded at Ash's actions, and it seems, so did Sceptile. Ash handed one of the halves to May. "Now this is how we could get a prize from the contest. It is a tie, after all."

May took the half reluctantly, and held it close to her chest. "Ash..."

"Maybe Charizard marooned us for a reason," Ash said suddenly.

"What do you mean?"

Ash turned away from May, but from the surprised look on Sceptile's face(who Ash was facing) she could tell that Ash had a peculiar look(blushing maybe). Ash recalled Sceptile to its Pokeball to save from further embarassment.

"Well, uh, oh, man, I don't know how to say this... Uh, remember when we were down in the Sea Temple?"

May looked dumbfounded. Ash has gone off-topic, again. The last May had to think about was that incident, which is very emotional for her. Apparently, Ash had something to say to bring this subject up.

"You know, when I had to go back and put the last crystal in the Sea Crown to save the Temple from sinking, I almost drowned back then."

"What? You didn't tell me that?!"

"Let me finish. Just when everything was completely lost to me, I had a strange dream."

May knew what Ash was talking about. It was the projection that the Pokemon Manaphy made using its Heart Swap, relaying May's prayer to Ash.

Ash chuckled. "That dream gave me the boost of energy I needed to save the Temple. Thank you, May. In a way, it wasn't only I who saved the Temple. You deserve the credit, too."

"Ash, that's great and all, but we have to go back. Everyone's waiting-"

"Then they have to wait a little longer." Ash placed his hands on May's shoulders, and he turned her around so that they were facing each other. "You know, May, I think Manaphy's Heart Swap did more than give me your message. I think it's done something else..." Ash took a deep breath, and said, "There's a reason they call it Heart Swap. Because back then, at the Temple, when I lost hope for myself, and heard your prayer, I believe I heard something else as well. Something deeper from your heart..."

May was taken aback. Does that mean that Ash knows? "May, do you love me?"

"Well, I, uh..." May blushed so hard, that her face looks like a police siren in the dark night. "Yes, Ash, I do love you..." 'And there. I finally said it.'

"Whoah..." 'Okay, so now what? There it is, May just said it. Oh, man, why is love so complicated?'

Ash felt awkward, since he just "made" May confess her feelings to him. But the part about May's prayer having a sublime message for Ash, he had began thinking about it for a long time.

Come on, only twice in his lifetime, he had heard two confessions to himself. 'Strangely, both on my Pokemon journey. Where I thought romance is supposed to be thin.' But as Ash began thinking about May's feelings, he began to realise his own feelings for her.

'We've been together, for a year and a half, now. I've been there for her as much as she's been there for me. And now, she's going to leave for Johto, after Drew,' Ash gritted his teeth, 'gone from my adventure.'

"May, as I(to make things short, Ash relayed "all" his thoughts above)." Ash bowed his head before continuing. "May, I think I'm in love with you too."

For a split second, Ash and May just looked at each other, both surprised at Ash's actions. Ash edged his face closer to May, but she turned away.

"It's too late, Ash. And no, it's not because I have feelings for Drew, definitely no," she added, seeing Ash's once again furious expression(at the sound of Drew's name). "Why did you have to say something like this, when tomorrow I'll be long gone..."

"But isn't that how some romance in movies work? 'Guy confesses to girl before leaving for another region. And they decide to stay together?'"

"That's in the movies, Ash. This is real life. I have to pursue my own dream, in Johto, and you have to pursue yours, in another region."

"Then who says that if we're far apart, doesn't mean we can't love each other? I've heard of things like this. Far-off relationships, I think..."

May slightly laughed. "'Long-distance', Ash, not 'far-off'."

"So there. Come on, May. Will you be my girlfriend? I believe a long-distance relationship is strong, because no matter how far apart the two are, they still love each other."

'Wow, did I just say that?'

'Wow, did Ash just say that?' May then faced Ash once again. She closed her eyes, and braced for it.

Ash noticed the motion, and gazed at May. 'This is it. Do I have to use my tongue? Should I be French-like? Wait am I even holding her right?' Ash pushed his face closer to May's. But...

"OUCH!" The bill of Ash's hat hit May on the forehead.

"Ooops, sorry," Ash apologized, smiling sheepishly, pulling the bill backwards. He tried to kiss May again, and this time it was a sucess. Both felt great warmth as their lips touched.

For how long the two were locked in each other's lips, who knows. But they were interrupted by something, a rustle from the bushes. Out came Pikachu, who was looking for them. It was shocked to find Ash kissing May, and at the same time happy.

Ash and May separated, and May approached Pikachu. "Hey, you, Pikachu. How do you feel about your trainer over there finally getting a girlfriend?"

Pikachu responded by jumping into May's arms, and it rubbed cheeks with May. May hugged the rodent closer to her, and Ash was delighted Pikachu seems to accept May.

I still feel really sad that only a few people here are reviewing(almost rarely). But even with that, I'll continue on, for this is my biggest project.
I'm not posting one chapter here, as it's AaMayL filler. If you want to read it: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3445107/12/

EF08:Round 2, Begin!

The next day, Ash entered the stadium along with the other competitors. They were directed into a locker room where they were given final instructions by a referee.

"It would be a 3-on-3 knockout battle. However, like the previous round, you will only be allowed to use water Pokemon. The tournament line-up will be as follows." He pointed to a poster on the wall. "Good luck."

Ash looked at the line-up, which is as follows:

First Layer:

1) Jr. Trainer Ash vs. Surfer Bryan

2) Triathlete Noel vs. Diver Micah

3) Jr. Trainer Alice vs. Blackbelt Randy

4) Surfer Harry vs. Diver Mark

Ash turned to Bryan, who was standing next to him. "Looks like you'll be my first opponent," he said to his new friend.

"Yeah, dude. May the best trainer win." The two shook hands.

A bell sounded the start of the second round. The referee motioned for all the trainers to follow him out of the locker area.

The 8 trainers were taken to the stadium's main area.

Brock, Hikari and May were all sitting in the stadium's front row. Pikachu(as usual) is sitting on May's lap. Misty and Max are absent, unfortunately, for the latter has to compete for the CascadeBadge.

"This is just like an ordinary league," May commented, surprised. "I thought that with the Elite Four involved, it would be a lot different."

"That's right," Hikari agreed. "Maybe they should have at changed the format, at least."

"Well, maybe the PLA wanted it to be traditional, even with facing an Elite trainer in the end," Brock guessed.

(I still don't get why they wanted to have a Water Pokemon only tournament for this. I should be down there, with Ash.)

May must have sensed Pikachu's disappointment, so she stroked the rodent's fur.

"Ash is up first," Brock said, trying to change the subject. "I hope he had a good training with the Pokemon earlier, since last night who-knows-where you two went." He glanced at May, a glint showing beneath the squint.

"Hh-hm," both Brock and Hikari grunted at the same time. "I hope that's all you two did," Hikari added. May blushed.

(FLASHBACK)

Before the sun even rose, Ash and May are back in the Cerulean Cape. May decided to help Ash train for the 2nd round by having a practice match with him.

"Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!" May's Bulbasaur used its vines to try to catch Corphish, but Ash had the lobster tunnel into the ground(reminiscent of its debut).

"That's not fair, Ash," May complained. "Besides, the 2nd round won't have any land to dig in, so you'll have to think of something else."

"But how can we be sure that a Pokemon will use Vine Whip in the competition? It probably has a Water-only rule."

"Oh, so that's how you want it to go, huh? Fine. Bulbasaur, return. Come out, Skitty!"

May's pink cat Pokemon appeared, and Ash just stared at it.

"Uh, May..."

"Just wait. Skitty, use Blizzard!" Skitty did so, and the blast froze Ash and Corphish in place.

"Now don't say that Blizzard wouldn't be used in the match, Ash-y," May said, pulling out her tongue at him.

After a few minutes of thawing (courtesy of Blaziken), Ash and May sat on a beach blanket May had set up, together with breakfast.As Ash dug into his bacon, he gave a loud sneeze. "You froze me on purpose, May."

May just pretended she didn't hear him, and instead was feeding her Squirtle some feeds. The other Pokemon were already halfway into their food.

Ash took a bite out of a toast, and began to think. "I never did get around to ask you, May."

"What is it?"

"Since when did you get so good at cooking?"

"Are you saying that I don't cook as good as Brock?"

"No, I'm just saying," Ash said quickly.

"I'll have you know, I was being tutored by Brock, my mom and your mom."

"Why did you want to learn about cooking, anyway?"

"Isn't it rather obvious?"

"Uh, no."

"Well, we can't depend on Brock's cooking all the time, you know."

"Like when?"

May sighed. "Like when we have to fend for ourselves."

Ash didn't get the meaning of this. It was shown on his face, it seems, since May stared at him incredulously. 'He's my boyfriend for a over a year now, but he's still dense about love.' May sighed.

(END FLASHBACK)

The battle field is what Ash would suspect: a water-filled arena, dotted with island formations here and there. He stood on a platform on one end, opposite Bryan. The referee stood at the center border of the arena.

"Ash, let's make this a good battle," Bryan called out to him. "I won't take it easy on you, dude!"

And that's exactly what happened. Corphish was lifted up into the vortex. It was now spinning around rapidly around the field.

But Ash seems to be waiting for something, as he isn't making any attempts to recall Corphish.

'Come on, wait a little longer, buddy,' Ash thought frantically, concentrating. Then he sensed what he was waiting for. Even if Corphish couldn't control its movement in the twister, it is closing in on Seadra at the center.

"Now, Corphish, use ViceGrip!" Corphish clamped its claws onto Seadra, and now the Dragon Pokemon was caught up in the twister as well.

Both Pokemon were beginning to get dizzy, but Corphish held on to its quarry. Soon the Twister subsided and the two Pokemon fell into the water. But even after getting dizzy, both were able to surface, ready to battle.

Corphish dived again, and, thinking like its trainer, hid behind one of the rocks underwater. Seadra's Hyper Beam, however, was so strong that the rock broke in two when hit. The water began filling with smoke and debris, and Ash's Corphish was nowhere to be seen.

Everyone began looking around for the little lobster.

"Okay, Corphish, use Bubblebeam!" Ash said without hesitation.

From Seadra's left a whiff of smoke, water and debris rose, and from within it appeared Corphish. The Pokemon launched its Bubblebeam, and the hit got Seadra dazed.

"Now, finish it with Crabhammer!"

Corphish, now above the Dragon Pokemon, came hurtling down, claws first. The blow hit Seadra square in the head. Now, an unconscious Seadra is floating motionless in the water.

The referee waved his flag in Ash's direction. "Seadra is unable to battle."

Bryan smiled. "I should have known not to underestimate your Corphish, dude," he said to Ash, recalling Seadra.

"Thanks. Don't want to be confident, but bring something out better."

"Oh, don't you worry, dude, I will. Come out, Vaporeon!"

Bryan's blue Bubble Jet Pokemon is next.

"Corphish, it's time to rest, " Ash said. But Corphish doesn't seem to be listening. Instead it clicked its claws, wishing to continue. "Alright, stay if you want to."

Corphish stared right into Vaporeon's eyes, and the latter looked right back. The two seem to be "leering" each other, waiting for the other to strike first.

"Now, Vaporeon. Use Water Gun."

"Corphish, evade the attack by diving again," Ash said, giving the same instruction for the 3rd time.

Corphish complied, but Vaporeon was too quick. It caught up to Corphish underwater, and landed a Slam attack. Corphish was pushed back into a rockface.

"Corphish!" Ash exclaimed.

The ref waved the flag in Bryan's direction. "Corphish is unable to battle."

"Oh, man," Ash said, recalling Corphish. "Time for our two Pokemon to have a continuation of last time, Bryan!"

Ash called out Croconaw. The crocodile clicked its jaw in excitement, to find its opponent from last time. And the feeling appears mutual for Vaporeon.

"Croconaw, give it your best Mega Punch!" Croconaw jumped into the water, and began speeding up to Vaporeon. But Bryan had other ideas.

"Vaporeon, use Agility." Vaporeon began appearing only in after-images around the field. Croconaw looked around for its opponent, but couldn't tell where it will appear.

"Croconaw, scratch my last command. Use Tide!" Croconaw closed its eyes, and the water around it began rising. With one roar, the water came spilling down in all directions.

Vaporeon wasn't able to evade the attack(how could it), but as the water came back to normal, Ash was shocked to find that Vaporeon wasn't the least bit hurt!

Nice battle scenes! The date was funny, and so was the morning "training". Sorry I can't review more often, school is still wrapping up where I live, so I've been pretty busy. Then I'm off to camp. I probably won't review for about a week and a half, but I already know what comes next. BTW, "Jr. Trainer Ash" was a pretty funny name. Almost laughed out loud at what I imagined his reaction to be.

Time to remove the unlucky number. Please, those who "hit" this thread, please review. I'm not content with just the number of hits, but to the number of reviews as well.
EF09:Cold Climax

The last episode leaves Ash's Croconaw against Bryan's Vaporeon. Croconaw is at a distinct disadvantage, because of Vaporeon's Water Absorb, nullifying all water attacks, and Vaporeon's speed, coupled with Agility, makes it near-impossible to hit with a physical attack.

Vaporeon+speed+Agility= trouble for Ash!

Vaporeon kept darting around the field, occasionally hitting Croconaw with Water Guns and Quick Attacks. But Croconaw can't retaliate. Ash clenched his fists. 'I've got to think of something, fast.' Then it hit him. "Croconaw, swim after Vaporeon!"

Confused, the crocodile had no choice but to comply, hoping that its trainer had a plan in mind. Croconaw swam around the field after its opponent, but it couldn't catch up.

"Heh, does he think that his Croconaw can outrace that Vaporeon?" a spectator behind Hikari remarked. "Fat chance!"

"Yeah, that trainer isn't very smart, is he?" another said.

May stood up so suddenly, that Pikachu fell face-first to the floor. (Ouch!! Hey!) She faced the other spectators, an annoyed look on her face. "If you don't have anything nice to say to somebody, it's better to not say anything at all," she retorted to the speakers.

"Come off it, miss," the first speaker replied. He stood up, and he was a lot taller than May. Brock also stood up, and looked at the spectator. Luckily, Brock is taller and the speaker couldn't say anything. "Don't start anything," he said, placing a hand on May's shoulder to make her sit back down.

The unruly spectator turned on his heels and walked out of the stadium.

"Sorry, Brock, it's just that... They're not afraid of shooting insults where everyone can hear them."

Back at the battle, Ash hadn't changed his command. Croconaw is still swimming after Vaporeon, but it's getting pretty tired. Vaporeon, on the other hand, isn't showing signs of slowing down or fatigue.

'He's right,' Ash thought. At that moment Croconaw stopped to take rest in one of the islands. Vaporeon appeared behind it, and landed a Skull Bash. The impact, with the power increased by Vaporeon's momentum, knocked Croconaw back into the water, hard. "Croconaw!"

The referee looked at the spot where Croconaw fell, waiting for a decision. Croconaw reappeared on the surface. Surprisingly, it wasn't out completely. Instead, it only looked like it had the wind knocked out of it.

"Let's finish this off, Vaporeon," Bryan said. "Make for another Agility, and then Skull Bash!" "Croconaw, are you okay?" Ash called to his Pokemon. "You had enough for now. RETURN!" But Croconaw refused to get into its Pokeball. "Croconaw, are you sure that you still want to fight?" Croconaw nodded. At that moment, Croconaw began to glow light-blueyou can guess what's happening.

'It's Torrent,' Ash thought. 'But that won't help. Because of Water Absorb. Wait... What if-' "Croconaw, use Tide again!" Everyone began to wonder if Ash has gone crazy. Water Absorb will only replenish Vaporeon's stamina. Croconaw complied, however.

Soon, the water began rising up again. Due to Torrent, Croconaw's Tide is higher than usual, and the water in the arena was almost empty. Vaporeon stood on the floor, exposed. Another roar, and the water began spilling down. "Now, Dive!" Croconaw disappeared, and Vaporeon was confused. It couldn't find Croconaw anywhere because of the current.

Ash had Croconaw use the current of Tide to hide in during Dive.

Even with Vaporeon's Water Absorb, it couldn't protect itself from the strength of the current. Just then, something grabbed Vaporeon from its tail. It was Croconaw, who was able to sneak up on Vaporeon during the Tide!

"Allright!" Ash shouted.

Bryan looked dumbfounded.

"Now, Croconaw, use Seismic Toss!" Once again Croconaw spun Vaporeon around by the tail, gaining momentum, and then released. The momentum threw Vaporeon into a rock face with tremendous force. Vaporeon stumbled out of the hole it made, and floated unconsciously to the surface.

"Vaporeon is unable to battle."

"YES!"

Bryan smiled to himself. "This is the kind of battle I'm looking for, dude," he called to Ash.

"Thanks, Bryan, I feel the same."

Bryan recalled Vaporeon, and grabbed a third Pokeball from his belt. "I've been saving this guy up for Prima, but looks like I have no other choice. Come out!"

Out came a Huntail. But it's no ordinary Huntail. This one has green scales instead of blue. It is a Shiny Pokemon!

White powder was coming out of Huntail's mouth. It began flowing through the entire arena.

"Croconaw, get out of the water immediately!" Ash commanded. Croconaw jumped out and landed in the island closest to Ash. Pretty soon the water was completely frozen.

"This is not good," Ash said to himself. "Croconaw can't use Tide now."

"That's right, dude," Bryan replied. "But that's not all. Can you see where my Huntail is now?"

Ash and Croconaw looked around, and were dumbfounded to see that Huntail was nowhere to be seen!

"I'll show you. Just to give you a heads up. Huntail, now!"

Just then, a crack could be heard behind Croconaw, part of the ice broke, and Huntail emerged from the small hole it made. Croconaw turned around, but too late. Huntail connected with an Iron Tail, hitting Croconaw in the stomach.

Croconaw slided backwards from the impact. Before it could retaliate, Huntail dove back into the water, and the hole was immediately frozen over by Huntail's Ice Beam.

"Croconaw, are you allright?" Ash asked for the second time. Croconaw's feet trembled a little, but it managed to stand up. "Okay, then, Croconaw, time to break the ice with Mega Punch!"

Croconaw's right hand began to glow, and it punched the ice with tremendous force. But the ice still held after the impact.

Croconaw began looking around for its opponent. Huntail broke out of the ice again, and attacked Croconaw with Ice Beam. Fortunately, Croconaw barrel-rolled, and was only fazed by the left leg. Huntail returned to the water, and froze its entrance/exit again.

"Like I said before, I won't take it easy on you, Ash. This is where it gets rough."

"I'm not liking these odds," Brock commented tensely. "The battle's almost half-over when Croconaw's access to the water is completely off."

"Ash..." May muttered, her eyes filled with concern.

"Croconaw, try to find the spot where the ice is weakest!" Croconaw began running around the ice, looking for a weak spot. There seem to be none. Not even one of Huntail's "entrances" are weak enough for Croconaw to break through.

Huntail broke out of the ice again, and used another Ice Beam. The hit was a bulls-eye, and Croconaw was frozen up to its upper torso.

"Allright, don't let your guard down, Huntail," Bryan commanded. "Dive back in again, and surprise all of us with your Iron Tail from anywhere, dude."

'Okay, Ash think, or else it's bye-bye. Remember Pokemon 101? Ice can be broken by rock. And ice can also be broken by-' "Croconaw, use Metal Claw!"

Croconaw's claws began to glow, and it slashed its way out of the ice!

"Great, Croconaw. Now use Iron Tail!"

"Too late, dude!" Bryan shouted, and Huntail popped out again and delivered its own Iron Tail. Before the crocodile could protect itself, Huntail connected, and Croconaw was reeling backwards. Strangely, Croconaw's tail was dug too deep on the ice, and it made a large wake when Croconaw was sent reeling backwards!

"Now, Croconaw, before Huntail freezes all of it over again. SURF!"

Croconaw summoned up its largest wave, and sent the entire water flowing against Huntail! Torrent is still in effect, and so the attack was even greater.

Croconaw's Surf broke up the ice in a few seconds. The water cleared, and Croconaw could be seen standing over a motionless Huntail.

The ref waved his flag in Ash's direction. "Huntail is unable to battle. Ash Ketchum wins the match!"

The crowd clapped and cheered. Bryan also joined in the applause. Ash punched the air, ecstatic about his victory.

The two trainers recalled their Pokemon, and met outside the locker area. "That was an awesome battle, dude. I really enjoyed it."

"Same here."

The other competitors arrived to congratulate Ash. One of them, a cute blonde about May's age, seemed to be interested in something more.

The bell sounded, signalling the next competitors to step up for their battle. The aforementioned girl, Micah, is one of the competitors in the match. She winked at Ash, causing the latter to gulp in surprise. After a wave, Micah and her opponent walked back outside.

Ash broke out of his trance, and ignored Bryan's remark. "I have some friends in the stands. Let's go join them."

"But first, let's get our Pokemon checked out."

---

Ash and Bryan joined the others in the stands, after depositing their Pokemon for express healing. After introductions are made, the five pulled their attention to the battle.

Micah started out with a Mantine. Her opponent, Noel, is using a Lombre. Mantine is flying around the battlefield, while Lombre drifted in the water, shooting Water Guns at it.

Seating arrangements: Brock--Hikari--May(with Pikachu)--Ash--Bryan

"That Micah girl... She's talented, dude, and with a cute look to boot. Maybe you should introduce yourself to her."

"Sssh," Ash hissed, but too late. May has turned her attention to Ash and Bryan.

"What do you mean?" she asked Bryan.

"Well, you see, Micah over there seems a tad bit interested in your friend, babe."

Ash slapped his head. He didn't dare look at May's face.

"Oh, really..." May sounded calm, but Ash stole a glance, and could see a nerve throbbing in her temple.

Pikachu(Oh-ho-ho. Quite a two-timer. Tsk, tsk, Ash.)

The battle continued on. Micah's Mantine was victorious against Lombre after a Wing Attack. Noel's Seaking met the same fate.

Micah recalled Mantine when Noel took out his Octillery. Then she called out a Kingdra.

Octillery used Smokescreen, filling the arena with black smoke. Kingdra looked around the smoke for its opponent, but Octillery snuck up from behind it and used Wrap. The dragon Pokemon struggled to get free, but Octillery only squeezed tighter.

"Kingdra, use Dragon Pulse!" Micah commanded.

A small shockwave began emanating from Kingdra's body. Octillery was suddenly stunned, and released its hold.

"Now, Dragonbreath!"

Kingdra released a small yellow beam and it hit Octillery, knocked it back towards its trainer's side of the arena.

"Octillery is out of the battle. Victory goes to Micah!"

Micah jumped in the air joyously. The crowd applauded her. Ash and co. joined in the applause(though May was a bit less enthusiastic). Micah glanced where Ash was sitting, and winked at him. Bryan and Brock thought it was at them she was winking at(you could see the latter going goo-goo eyes, although why Brock could go for a girl his junior, I couldn't tell, maybe she's attractive enough for his taste).

The next rounds spurred no interesting results. Alice and Harry defeated their respective opponents and advanced to the nexy round.

---

Our scene shifts to outside the stadium at 7:30 P.M. The third round will begin the next day.

Ash stretched his arms and legs, which were asleep for sitting for a whole hour. "Let's call it a day and head back to the center. I'm starving!"

Pikachu(I second the motion!) Pikachu was perched on May's left shoulder.

"Sure. I'll just whip up something from my special cookbook," Brock said.

Ash and co. are back at the same park table they sat in the other day. Max and Misty already joined earlier(Max pulled a 2 out of 3 against Misty, earning the CascadeBadge). And there were new faces: Bryan and (to May's annoyance) Micah.

May was so jealous about Micah's interest in Ash. She was also furious about Ash showing signs of liking the other girl. The two emotions combined made May pull Ash's ear so hard that he was bent halfway(he was pulled downwards).

Ash is still wincing on his severely-pulled ear. "Do you still have some of that ear ointment with you, Brock?"

"Sorry, buddy, but I'm fresh out. I stopped stocking on them since Max left for his own journey."

"Try to pull a Brock on us again, and your ear will be getting a lot worse," May said quietly.

"My sister is a monster when it comes to jealousy, Ash," Max commented. This got him a slap in the head by May.

"You know," Brock said impishly, looking at Ash and May, "now what could be the reason for you to get jealous, May?"

"Well, uh, it's because... I-" May stuttered. "Fine. Ash and I are already boyfriend and girlfriend, if that's what you guys are implying."

"AH-HA!" Brock shouted suddenly. "I knew it!"

Ash lowered his head in his hands, to hide the red on his face. 'Busted,' he thought.

"Since when?" Max asked curiously.

May told them all about the events that led to the relationship: involvement of certain Pokemon(Manaphy, Charizard, to name a few), Ash's kiss, you get my drift.

After her story, Ash couldn't feel any hotter under the collar. Everyone had their eyes trained on him. Just then Brock grabbed Ash in a headlock.

"I never knew you to be a little romantic, buddy," he said, rubbing Ash's head with his knuckles. I think it's called 'noogie'(kutos in my native tongue).

Ash exchanged looks with Pikachu. 'It's getting dark out. It won't be safe for her to go out alone.' "I'll go follow her," he said to the others, and he ran off in May's direction.

Brock took this as a cue to get closer to Micah.

"You know, there's more fish in the sea."

"I hope you're not suggesting yourself, Brock," Misty muttered.

"'Cause that will surely never happen," Max added. At this moment, Brock burst into tears(mock-crying).

'Nice bunch,' Bryan thought, smirking.

---

Ash found May sitting by her lonesome at the foot of a Lickitung-slide in a playground. Ash stood in front of her, while Pikachu crawled to her right. May tilted her head so she's facing the other way.

Ash looked apologetic. "Come on, May, are you still angry?"

"Yes," May huffed, crossing her arms.

Ash heaved a huge sigh. May stood up, and walked to one of the swings and sat down. Ash followed her and sat on another swing. They start swinging, alternating back and forth. For five minutes none of them spoke up, both lost in their thoughts.

Ash broke the silence first. "Uh, you know, May, uh..." 'Hoo-boy, not again. I still couldn't talk straight to her.'

"You shouldn't really try to flirt with other girls if you already have a girlfriend, Ash," May said quietly.

"I know, but... I don't want to be impolite to girls. From experience with girls like Hikari and Misty, I don't want to get on a girl's bad side anymore. I learned that the hard way..."

May gave a small laugh. Ash was glad that May's anger toned down a bit. May stopped swinging, and stood up.

"Okay, Ash, I'll forgive you. On one condition."

"Name it."

"Don't flirt with other girls again. One thing we don't need is another Brock running around chasing and flirting girls."

Ash also stood up. "Sure. Like I said before, I'm not going to be like him. Too amorous..."

"Hmmph. I hate to say it, but maybe you should take a few lessons from him."

"I thought that you don't want me to be like him. Make up your mind, sheesh..."

May turned around to face Ash, and Ash was relieved to see May's face full of joy again. "Maybe not..."

Ash walked to May's side, mimiced a bow, and took her hand. "Come on, 'mistress', let's go back to our friends."

Pikachu, sitting on top of the Lickitung-slide, looked at the two of them walking away.

Pikachu(Isn't that sweet? But don't forget 'bout me!) Pikachu slid off the slide and ran after its trainer.

I was right about the ear thing! Triumph! Yes, noogie is the correct term. Max should know better then to say something like that, sheesh. Still don't like Micah, but maybe Bryan does? Overall, funny chapter, and nice shippiness - It was well written.

The next morning, after wishing Ash and Micah good luck(May was a little friendlier to her now), the others went to sit in the stadium with the spectators.

The two trainers joined the other two competitors in the locker room. Minutes later the referee entered.

"Today, the third round will be a grid tournament. The four trainers will have their matches be randomly selected by our computer. Only one of three Pokemon per trainer can be used for each match, also randomly selected. In the grid tournament, there will be a total of six matches. Whoever gains the largest number of victories in those matches will go on to face Prima, later today.

"The grid tournament will be displayed as follows:"

The monitor behind the referee lit up. It showed a grid with the four competitors lined up along both the horizontal and vertical lines. The referee pressed a button near the monitor, and the different panels of the grid began flashing up, alternately.

The screen splits, and the second monitor shows the computer randomly flash-choosing the competitors. The first picture showed Harry, and the second picture: Ash.

Below the respective trainers' pictures, the computer is now flash-choosing the Pokemon. Ash's reveals his Kingler, and Harry's shows a Poliwrath.

"First match: Ash and Kingler vs. Harry and Poliwrath."

Ash stared at his opponent, and Harry exchanged the gesture.

"Hope you've come prepared," Harry said in a confident tone, extending a hand. Ash took it, and they shook hands.

"Don't worry. I just hope you won't be a sore loser when I beat 'ya."

"Both competitors, follow me to the arena," the ref said. Ash and Harry followed the ref to the arena.

Minutes later, Ash finds himself standing in the very platform at the edge of the arena where he fought Bryan the day before. The spectator crowd have already been oriented at the third round rules.

"Go. Kingler!" Ash called out his crab Pokemon, and it landed on one of the islands close to Ash's side of the field.

"Poliwrath, let's GO!" Harry took out Poliwrath. The dark blue frog, with a spiral design on its underbelly, also landed on an island on it's trainer's side of the field.

The referee signalled the start of the match. "Kingler VS. Poliwrath. BEGIN!"

"Poliwrath, use Waterfall!"

Poliwrath dived into the water and swam at breakneck speed(based on the attack's description in the games). "Kingler, get ready to grab it with Vicegrip," Ash ordered.

Poliwrath jumped out of the water. It was so high in the air, that Poliwrath seemed to eclipse the morning sun to Ash.

"Now, Mega Punch!" The Poliwrath cocked its fist back, and starts falling down in Kingler's direction. Kingler tried to block it with Harden(and one of its claws), but Poliwrath landed the hit with great power.

Kingler was knocked off its island and landed in the water.

"Kingler!" Ash's face is filled with concern for his Pokemon. However, the crab resurfaces. It seems it won't give up without a fight. Ash looked relieved. "Let's try not to get hit again by that attack, okay, buddy?" Kingler clicked its claws in agreement.

Without warning, Harry ordered another Waterfall attack. Poliwrath swam up to Kingler at the same speed as before, and Kingler was "tackled" with enourmous force.

"Kingler, go for Vicegrip again!" Ash commanded, after Kingler recovered from the blow. Kingler positioned itself on another island.

Poliwrath jumped off the water again and landed next to Kingler. "Don't give it the chance," Harry said. "Pummel it with tons of Mega Punches!"

Poliwrath obliged, and Kingler was now being bombarded with powerful punches. However, Kingler stood its ground, and managed to clamp one of its claws on one of Poliwrath's fists. Poliwrath began cocking its other fist back, but Kingler also grabbed the fist with its other claw. The two Pokemon are now locked together in a fierce shoving war.

"Poliwrath, Mega Kick!" Harry ordered. Using its trapped hands as support, Poliwrath swung itself backwards, and thrust its right foot aimed for Kingler's head. Kingler used Iron Defense for protection, and Poliwrath's kick bounced back in recoil.

Kingler released Poliwrath's fists at that exact moment, and Poliwrath reeled back due to the force of the recoil. But Poliwrath immediately recovered and somersaulted on the island next to Kingler.

"Kingler, try to grab Poliwrath again!" Kingler tried, but wasn't able to comply, since Harry ordered his Poliwrath to dive back into the water.

"Poliwrath, use Icy Wind!" Poliwrath began blowing a cold breeze coming from its fists. The white wind coursed through the water, and straight in the island where Kingler stood. Icy Wind froze the island, with Kingler on it.

"Kingler!" The crab is seen motionless inside the ice.

"Kingler is unable to battle. Victory goes to Harry and Poliwrath."

Ash stood dumbfounded. He has lost.

---

After dropping off his Kingler to be healed, Ash walked silently back to the locker room. He was joined minutes later by May and the others.

"Uh...? What are you guys doing here?" Ash asked, sitting down on one of the benches.

"We came-" Brock started.

"-because we thought you need-" Max followed.

"-a little cheering up-" Hikari picked up.

"-after your loss," Misty finished. All of them(minus May) were suppressing their grins.

"Suuure..." Brock added, eyes glinting underneath the squint. Then he turned serious. "You know what this means, right? You can't afford to lose another match in this tournament."

"Yeah, I know. And I'm not gonna lose again."

Ash got a little breaktime, which he spent watching the other matches. In the second match of the third round, Micah is squaring off with Alice, with a Mantine and Lanturn, respectively. Ash made sure not to make his cheers too enthusiastic, so May won't get jealous, again.

Even with a type disadvantage, Micah pulled off the win. Lanturn was defeated with an amazingly powerful Hydro Pump.

Ash clenched his fists. 'Micah is no ordinary trainer. I have to watch out when we meet in the match-up.'

The next match called Ash back into the locker room. The computer selected him and his Corphish against Alice's Lumineon.

They began the next match immediately. Ash called Corphish, and Alice called out her Lumineon. The white-and-blue Neon Pokemon landed right on the water.

"Lumineon, Water Pulse!" Lumineon sent soundwaves along the water, and it hit Corphish. The lobster was stunned immediately. Then, Lumineon hit Corphish with a Tackle.

Corphish recovered from the blows, and made a grab for Lumineon's tail with Vicegrip. It missed, due to Lumineon's Swift Swim.

'Oh, boy, does this look familiar?' Ash asked himself rhetorically. "Corphish, use Bubblebeam instead." Corphish unleashed its Bubblebeam on Lumineon, but the attack barely fazed the Pokemon. It kept swimming round and round Corphish in a circular pattern.

"Go for another Tackle, Lumineon!" screamed its trainer. Lumineon launched itself into Corphish again, but this time Corphish is ready. Before Lumineon could make contact, Corphish managed to lock Vicegrip on one of the "wings".

"Good, Corphish! Now, don't let go." But Lumineon is stronger than it looks, as Corphish was being dragged easily in Lumineon's wake. 'Oh, great. What next, genius?' "Time for another Bubblebeam, at point-blank range!"

Corphish obliged, but the Bubblebeam kept missing, due to the force of Lumineon's drag. Corphish got fed up, and launched itself forward. It released its grip on Lumineon, and used Slam just as their heads are level. Direct hit! Lumineon stopped swimming, and it was floating in the water, knocked out. Corphish appeared right next to it, looking happy with itself.

"Lumineon is unable to battle. Victory goes to Ash and Corphish."

Again we see Ash back at the locker room. And again his "cheering squad" appeared. Tired, Ash almost fell flaton his back on the bench.

"Aren't they rushing things a bit?" Ash complained. "Three battles non-stop? And I took two out of those three..."

"The PLA must be doing this to get the interest of the crowd," Brock gathered. "Plus, new challengers are arriving by the second."

"Way I heard it," Max added, "they must be planning for Prima's match to start this afternoon. Much like when we arrived."

Ash hung his head and sighed.

The next match was Harry and Wartortle vs. Alice and Pelipper. It was a tie, Wartortle knocked itself out after a Swagger attack and Pelipper was hit by a stray Hydro Pump.

After that, it's Micah and Gorebyss vs. Harry and Wailmer. Micah pulled off another win. Ash once again watched with apprehension, knowing what Pokemon Micah has left that she will use against Ash: Kingdra.

Finally, it's down to Ash and Micah.

"Just because you're cute doesn't mean I will take it easy on you, " Micah called across the field to Ash.

"Okay, Croconaw, let's GO!" Ash called his Pokemon. Micah took out her Kingdra.

Croconaw appeared ready as usual for battle. It landed on the island at the center of the arena. Kingdra, meanwhile, is floating stationarily on the water.

The battle has begun. Croconaw started by jumping into the water. It locked eyes with its opponent, while circling around it. But Kingdra remains stationary, although it never left its eyes on Croconaw.

Ash was lost in his thoughts, trying to figure out a way to defeat Kingdra. "Alright, Croconaw, use Metal Claw!"

Croconaw broke out of its cycle, and jumped out of the water in Kingdra's direction, claws glowing. But Kingdra countered with Slam, and Croconaw was knocked back into the water.

Croconaw resurfaced, and Ash gave his next order. "Mega Punch, Croconaw!" For the second time, Croconaw leaped up again and aimed a Mega Punch at Kingdra's chest. Unfortunately, Croconaw was Slammed back, again.

Brock crossed his arms. "Kingdra is only playing with Croconaw," he said thoughtfully. "Not good."

Ash seems to be thinking along the same lines as Brock. 'Got to change plans.' "Croconaw, use Ice Beam!" Croconaw looked incredulously at its trainer.

(Uh, Ice Beam? Uh-oh...)

"What? You don't know how to use Ice Beam? Hoo-boy..." Ash slapped his hand on his forehead. "Not good," he said, mimicing Brock's earlier tone.

Micah made her offensive. "Kingdra, Take Down attack." Kingdra made a dash for Croconaw, and the latter is a sitting duck. The impact sent Croconaw flying again, this time against the barrier around the perimeter of the arena. Croconaw fell face-first into the water.

Ash began to think that Croconaw fainted. But the resilient Pokemon still managed to resurface. Its jaws formed into a smile, indicating it was enjoying the fight, that it found a really formidable opponent. At that moment, Croconaw began glowing the familiar blue color.

Croconaw started swimming around Kingdra again, barraging its opponent with Bubblebeams and Water Guns. Torrent makes the water-type attacks more powerful, and Kingdra seems to be starting to feel pain.

"Kingdra, Dragon Breath!" Kingdra fired yellow flames at the water in Croconaw's direction. The water began rising like a wall in front of Croconaw, but the crocodile continued swimming, and blasted through the "wall", preparing to land a vicious Skull Bash.

Kingdra evaded the attack by side-stepping, and fired another Dragon Breath, this time aimed at Croconaw. Even though it hasn't recovered from Kingdra's evade(Croconaw is still in midair) Croconaw spun around and fired its Water Gun. The two projectiles met in midair, and being in close proximity, the two Pokemon were knocked back by the force of the blasts. Croconaw expertly landed on its two feet on an island, and this time it was Kingdra's turn to be knocked into a wall.

Croconaw jumped back into the water, made use of Kingdra's momentary stun and managed to hit a second Mega Punch, right at Kingdra's jaw. Kingdra found itself crashing into the wall again.

Micah is beginning to show signs of concern, but still remains calm. "Kingdra use Rain Dance!" Kingdra summoned up black nimbus clouds in the sky. Rain started to fall. And the crowd, not anticipating such weather, covered themselves with whatever they could use.

Ash looked puzzled, wondering what Micah is up to. But then he realised Kingdra is gone, as Croconaw is now looking desparately for its opponent. Just then fleeting images of Kingdra appeared around the field.

"Kingdra's using its Swift Swim ability," Brock pointed out, while trying to shield himself from the rain with a pamphlet, to no sucess. "It becomes faster in the rain. Micah is starting to look really good," Max, who was sitting next to him, pulled on his ear, "YOW! For the battle, I mean!"

Ash was surprised to find himself smiling. 'This keeps getting better and better.' Croconaw is thinking the same thing. The fleeting images started towards Croconaw. It was prepared to use another Take Down. Croconaw barely had time to evade the attack, and was hit, hard, and landed on a nearby island.

Croconaw struggled to get up, but Kingdra appeared looming over it next to the island. Kingdra jumped high, and tried to Slam Croconaw flat on the ground. Croconaw immediately covered itself with its hands. Croconaw is struggling as its hands locked onto Kingdra's tail. The weight of Kingdra added to the Slam weighing down harder on Croconaw. The crocodile is now in a tight spot, literally.

Ash then thought of something. Kingdra is right in Croconaw's sights, meaning, it's vulnerable, so... "Croconaw, Hydro Pump!" Launched from between its arms, Croconaw used Hydro Pump. Such an attack alone is powerful, but with Torrent, well, it's another story. Kingdra was hit squarely in the chin, springing it back high into the air.

"Again, use Hydro Pump, this time on the ground!" Croconaw complied, and the blast sent itself flying, right after Kingdra, who is still in the air. Croconaw's head hit Kingdra square in the chin with a Headbutt, and Kingdra found itself unconscious before landing on the same island before.

"Kingdra is unable to battle," the ref announced. "Victory goes to Ash and Croconaw!"

"YES!!" Ash shouted in delight. The rainclouds dissipated with their summoner's defeat, and the sun appeared between the vaporating clouds.

Now it was back to the locker room for the tallying of scores. The results are:

ASH: 2 wins, 1 loss

MICAH: 2 wins, 1 loss

ALICE: 2 losses, 1 tie

HARRY: 1 win, 1 loss, 1 tie

"It is a tie between JR. trainer Ash and Diver Micah. A tiebreaker will decide who will face Prima in the finals."

But Micah raised her hand. "I forfeit my match."

Ash turned to her, as well as the other competitors. "What? But why?"

"I was planning to use Kingdra as my main battler if ever I face Prima, but the last battle took everything out of it. I will give the opportunity to fight Prima to my friend Ash. I may sound like a quitter, but I just don't feel confident without my Kingdra." The referee still looked skeptical about Micah's backing down. Micah turned to Ash. "I joined this competition just so I could find a good battle, and I just found it with you, Ash." She extended her hand. "Good luck. I hope you get to defeat Prima."

Ash took Micah's hand and shook it. "Thanks, I think..."
CONTINUED...

-Whew! This chapter was originally "3" chapters in FF.net. But I decided to bunch them together.
-Next is the first of the four climaxes in my story: Ash vs. Prima!

And so it has been announced. At 2:00 P.M., the Elite trainer Prima will now face her second opponent in the Kanto branch's Elite Finals. Ash immediately sped off to the Pokemon center after all the attention he was given, for two reasons: to immediately heal his Pokemon, and to contact Professor Oak for a few more changes for his roster.

The rules: a 5-on-5 knock-out set match battle. There will be five matches, and only one Pokemon will be used in each match. The Pokemon gains a point for its trainer in a victory. Once a victor in each match is declared, the trainers immediately switch to their next Pokemon for the next match, even if the victorious Pokemon is still able to battle. Whoever wins the most matches during the entire battle will be declared the winner. To give the challenger an equal footing, he/she will be given a roster of up to ten Pokemon belonging to the Elite trainer. They are not given, however, which Pokemon, the Elite trainer shall choose.

There is also a rule in favor of Prima: the arena will change depending on what Pokemon she will use(e.g. a rock field for Mamoswine).

Ash studied the pamphlet the referee gave him. It had pictures of Prima's ten main Pokemon: Blastoise, Jynx, Glaceon, Gastrodon, Walreine, Lapras, Dewgong, Abomasnow, Delibird, Mamoswine. While he was eating, he began formulating a plan. He intends to use his following Pokemon as the battlers: Pikachu(about time), Luxio, Sceptile, Croconaw and Grotle. All of them, maybe except for Croconaw, have a distinct advantage over any/all of Prima's Pokemon, whichever she may choose.

During lunch, the others knew better than to disturb Ash in his train of thought. May begins to act worried, since Ash isn't even touching his food.

"You really should get something to eat, Ash," she said. "You've got to keep your strength up for that battle with Prima."

"Yes, mom," Ash stressed the last word, but took his girlfriend's advice.

---

At a half hour before two, the group returned to the stadium. Ash started for the locker room, for a last-minute preparation. The others returned to their usual seats in the stadium, but May went after Ash in the locker room. Ash was at first surprised to find her there.

"Come to give me a good luck kiss?" he asked jokingly.

May raised her eyebrows. "Fat chance." She fumbled with something in her fanny pack. "Anyway, I forgot to give something to you." She took out Ash's Pokedex. "Prof. Oak thinks that you will always need this one."

Ash took the electronic device. 'Now what could I use the Pokedex for in this battle? What is Professor Oak thinking?'

Pikachu tugged on Ash's jeans(It's time. Let's go.)

Ash headed outside, Pikachu resting on his shoulder, but May stopped him for a moment longer. Standing on her tiptoes, May planted a kiss on Ash's cheek.

"Good luck," she whispered. And she went outside to join her friends.

Ash only looked at her back as she left, and lightly touched the spot where May kissed him. "Thanks, May," he called after her. 'So I got my good luck kiss after all,' he thought, smiling.

---

When Ash appeared at his podium, he found the arena closed by a platform, indicating that the form of the arena was still undecided. Prima stood on the opposite side, and she smiled at Ash.

"Took you long enough to get here, Ash," Prima said.

"I've been waiting for this match ever since you beat me on Mandarin Island," Ash replied.

"Let's begin, shall we?" She signalled to the referee. The referee pressed a hidden switch, just as she released her first Pokemon.

The water field from before is now gone. In its place stood a rock field. Prima's first Pokemon is revealed to be Delibird.

Ash tilted his cap backwards(man, I missed that) and threw out the Pokeball containing Luxio.

"Prima vs. Ash. First match: Luxio vs. Delibird. BEGIN!"

"Luxio, use Agility!" Ash commanded.

"Delibird, Ice Beam!" Luxio started running to avoid the attack, but it wasn't aimed at him. Prima had Delibird "ice" a portion of the field. Luxio, whose Agility is still in effect(and imperfect), stepped on the ice and slipped. Luxio crashed into a boulder.

"Luxio, are you alright?" Ash asked his Pokemon. Luxio, stumbling out of the rubble it caused, grunted an okay in response to its trainer. "Use Thunder Fang!"

Luxio continued to run, avoiding the ice patch(which still hadn't melted, even with the hot afternoon weather). It jumped from one boulder, and at Delibird, which was in the air, Its teeth began sporting yellow sparks.

Delibird avoided the attack with Double Team. Luxio was, in a moment, stationary in midair, surrounded on two sides by Delibird and its "double". The lion Pokemon, not knowing which is its target, spun around to hit both targets with Slam. Even that didn't work, as Delibird proved too fast. The double was hit and vaporised, but the real Delibird managed to evade the Slam.

Luxio landed on the ground feet first. But Ash could sense the temperamental Pokemon is about to start a fuse. That's not a good thing, as Luxio couldn't concentrate in battle with its anger.

"No time for this now, Luxio," Ash called to his Pokemon. "Keep your temper down, or we'll lose..."

But Luxio isn't listening. Its eyes are contorted into a fierce grimace. Then it began running towards Delibird, not even knowing what it's doing.

"Uh-oh, here we go again," Hikari commented.

"What's wrong with Luxio?" Max asked.

"A little anger management problem," Hikari answered.

"'Little' is putting it in a lighter way," Brock corrected her. "Luxio's temper is something that can be compared to Charizard's, and you all know how that went..."

Luxio jumped at Delibird again, aiming another Thunder Fang. Delibird easily dodged the attack, due to Luxio's deliriousness(don't know if it's the right word). Ash cringed a little when Luxio was Slammed back to the ground.

Luxio barely staggered to get up.

"Delibird, Icebeam!" Prima commanded. This time, Delibird is aiming for Luxio itself.

"Quick, Luxio, try to evade it!" Ash shouted frantically.

Too late. Delibird managed to freeze Luxio's paws to the ground. The lion struggled to get free, but the ice is too strong.

"Luxio, try to get some electric currents to your feet," Ash commanded. Luxio flashed its tail, and with spark effects, lashed the tail to the parts that were frozen. It worked, and the currents were able to break the ice. "Great, Luxio, are you ready to listen to me again?" Luxio nodded. "Now, straight forward with a Tackle attack!"

Luxio darted forward. But Delibird is ready, and so is Prima. "Icicle Spear." Delibird began blowing cold wind again, and began forming into ten icicles, shaped like spears. Delibird hurled the spears in Luxio's direction.

"Luxio, evade the atack, now!" Ash ordered. Luxio jumped to evade the first few spears, but some managed to hit the Pokemon. Luxio endured the pain, and then was able to get a hit at Delibird with Tackle. Delibird was knocked back, and through some rocks.Smoke began to form where Delibird fell. Luxio landed a few feet away.

"Nice work, Luxio," Ash cheered to his Pokemon. When the dust cleared, Delibird is up, but there's no scratch on it! "What? How the-?" Luxio looked as startled as its trainer.

"What happened?" May asked, puzzled. "How did Delibird manage to get out of that hit without a scratch?"

Luxio was starting to lose its temper again. But Ash calmed it down. "You can't let your anger take over, okay, Luxio?" Luxio relaxed and nodded to its trainer.

"You still have a lot to learn about Pokemon, Ash," Prima said coolly. "Delibird, let's finish this with BLIZZARD!"

Delibird began blowing cold winds with its beak again. This time the wind grows stronger and stronger. Snow began to form around the arena. This is a mite different from Bryan's Huntail's Blizzard, that's for sure.

"Luxio, hold your ground," Ash cautioned. Luxio needn't telling twice. It tensed at the change of weather. But, it was a bad idea. Once again, Luxio found itself freezing from the feet upwards. Luxio struggled, but this time it stuck. Luxio even tried the previous tactic Ash ordered it before, but the ice is too strong.

Soon the ice is up to Luxio's neck! Luxio held its head up, so as not to get suffocated by the ice. Just as Luxio's "ice tomb" began to cover it completely, it began glowing white!

Luxio began growing in size, and the ice holding him is slowly breaking up. Luxio has evolced into Luxray!

"What timing, Luxi- I mean, Luxray!" Ash exclaimed to his Pokemon, while shielding himself from the cold wind. Ash then remembered the Pokedex, and went to analyze his new Pokemon:

Luxray, the X-ray Pokemon

The evolved form of Luxio, it has eyes which can see through anything. It spots and captures prey hiding behind objects.

"This is great," Ash said knowingly. "That means Luxray can see in this weather, as well. Alright, Luxray, try to find Delibird in this storm!"

Luxray's yellow eyes began to glow, and it darted around the battlefield. Luxray seems incredibly fast for its species. It soon spotted Delibird still continuing to blow Blizzard, standing on top of a rock. It gave a loud howl as a signal to Ash.

Ash heard the sound, and immediately gave the next command. "Now, use Thunder Fang!"

Fortunately, for Ash and Luxray, Delibird seemed unaware of the fast advancing Pokemon. So this time Luxray managed a direct hit with Thunder Fang. The blizzard stopped, but there is still snow on the ground, though visibility is now clear.

Luxray is found standing on the boulder where Delibird used to be. Delibird, meanwhile, is sprawled on the ground next to him. Luxray made for its bag, to use Present again, but Luxray reacted immediately by shoving it away. Delibird looked apperehensively at its foe, and fainted.

"Luxray is the victor. This round goes to Ash!"

"Nice going, Luxray!" Ash called to his Pokemon. Luxray dashed over to him, and gave Ash a jolt with its tail. As Ash lay on the ground, he turned angrily at his Pokemon, only to see it grinning. Ash sighed, realising that Luxray is only showing its appreciation(reminiscent of Charizard and its Flamethrower).

This prompted May, who was sitting between them, to slap them on the back of their heads.

Prima smiled as she recalled Delibird. "You did a good job, Delibird," she said, and took out another Pokeball. "Let the others take care of this from now on. Come out, Jynx!" The Humanshape Pokemon appeared.

After recalling Luxray, Ash nodded to Pikachu. "Your turn, Pikachu," he said to his partner. Pikachu nodded(Bring them on!) and entered the field.

"Second match. Pikachu vs. Jynx. BEGIN!"

Prima didn't hesitate this time, and immediately went on an offensive. "Jynx, use Ice Beam!"

Pikachu tried to evade, but the snow from the last round is still there, cutting its speed. Pikachu instead jumped to evade Jynx's Ice Beam. The beam barely missed, but Pikach was able to get away, uniced.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" In the air, Pikachu let out a huge surge of electricity, which directly hit Jynx. "Then go for Iron Tail!" With its tail glowing, Pikachu aimed for Jynx's head. But the psychic-/ice-type was ready. Pikachu, landed, not on Jynx, but on a Barrier! Jynx pushed the barrier upwards, hurtling Pikachu back to the ground!

"I never saw a Barrier used like that!" Hikari exclaimed.

"This is an Elite trainer we're talking about," Max replied. "They can pull off different methods to their techniques."

Pikachu hit the ground, back first. Jynx wasted no time by materialising more Barriers. Then she Doubleslapped them all in Pikachu's direction, acting like very strong projectiles! The Barriers are so strong, that the ice in their path are giving way! Pikachu finds itself cornered just as the first Barrier loomed over him!

Pikachu finds itself in a tight spot between a rock and a hard place(literally). Just as the Barrier hit the boulder, Pikachu barely managed to squeeze underneath a small gap between the Barrier and the ground. The impact caused an explosion, which sent Pikachu flying, right at Jynx.

Another Barrier is heading Pikachu's way, but the yellow mouse defended itself by lashing Iron Tail in the direction of the Barrier. The Barrier broke after being hit by Pikachu's tail, saving the Pokemon. Pikachu landed this time on soft snow.

Ash grimaced at the image that came to his mind. "Pikachu, don't let Jynx hit you!" Too late, Jynx delivered a "flying kiss" to Pikachu. The little rodent was knocked to sleep.

"Now, Wake-up Slap!" Jynx picked up Pikachu, and slapped it really, really hard, one after another. Pikachu woke up after the third slap, but couldn't budge due to Jynx's strong grip.

"Pikachu, go for another Thunderbolt!" Pikachu used Thunderbolt its captor, bu Jynx didn't release its grip. After another shock, and another, Jynx still didn't budge. Pikachu is getting exhausted for using the attacks consecutively. But after the third shock, Jynx is beginning to give.

"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" With one last burst of energy, Pikachu lashed out another Iron Tail at Jynx. The latter finally let go, after being hit by the super-effective attack. They stumbled to the ground, struggling to get up.

"Jynx, try for another Barrier/Doubleslap combo!" Prima commanded. Jynx complied, and due to close proximity, Pikachu wasn't able to evade. It found itself being carried away by the Barrier. Pikachu crawled to the top edge of the barrier, and jumped right before it hit another boulder.

"In the air, Pikachu! VOLT TACKLE!" Ash commanded.

Pikachu shot itself like a missile towards Jynx, surrounded by electricity. Jynx threw another Barrier in Pikachu's direction. The two attacks met in midair, and Ash could hear 'glass' shattering. Pikachu broke through the Barrier and hit Jynx with Volt Tackle.

Jynx toppled down at being hit, knocked out. "Pikachu is victor. This round goes to Ash!"

Ash wiped the sweat off his forehead. Pikachu jumped into his arms. "Great work, Pikachu. One more win and we'll have Prima beat!"

Pikachu(You got that right!)

Even with the score in Ash's favor, Prima didn't look concerned as she recalled Jynx. "I should have known that your skills have improved after 4 years, Ash," she said calmly. "No more child's play. Go, Mamoswine."

From her Pokeball came a large brown creature with tusks twice as long as Ash's arm.

"A Mamoswine?" Ash again consulted his Pokedex:

Mamoswine, the Twin Tusk Pokemon

The evolved form of Piloswine, its imposing tusks are made of ice. Its numbers diminished when the Ice Age ended and the climate turned warm.

"Go, Croconaw," Ash said, caling the Pokemon he has used for most of the competition. "Because of you and the rest of my Pokemon I've gotten this far. Now's your chance to finish it!"

Croconaw came out of its Pokeball, ready to battle. It didn't seem intimidated of its opponent, which is almost thrice its size.

"Third round. Mamoswine vs. Croconaw. BEGIN!"

"Mamoswine, Rock Throw," Prima ordered. Mamoswine picked up a large boulder with its powerful tusks, and hurled them in Croconaw's direction.

"Croconaw, get ready for Metal Claw," Ash cautioned.

But even before the boulder could reach its target, Prima gave her second command. "Icicle Spear, NOW!" Just like Delibird before, Mamoswine formed icicles and threw them at Croconaw. The crocodile was able to break the boulder with Metal Claw, but the Icicle Spears hit Croconaw at pin-point(no pun intended) accuracy.

"Aggh, it was just a diversion," Ash said, angry at himself for not seeing the attack. "Croconaw, are you alright?" Croconaw stood up from the spot where it fell.

"Now, try a Body Slam," Prima ordered. For a behemoth, Mamoswine jumped high in the air, and fell, aiming for Croconaw.

Croconaw barrel-rolled through the snow to the left side of the field. When Mamoswine hit earth, the ground shook so violently that several snowflakes jumped from their ground as well. Croconaw, who barely avoided the Body Slam, shielded itself from the heavy falling snow.

"For a large Pokemon like Mamoswine, it sure moves fast," Hikari commented.

"Prima did say no more child's play, right?" May said anxiously.

"Boy, would I love to get on her playtime," Brock said dreamily. Everyone gave Brock a little "snapping back to reality" (YOWCH!), and continued on with the match.

Now, Mamoswine has grabbed a stunned Croconaw by the tail, and hurled the Pokemon upwards. Whilst Croconaw is still in the air...

"CROCONAW!" Ash's shout snapped Croconaw back to its senses. It turned around(facing upwards it turned around to see the ground below) and struck another Metal Claw at the boulder. Not a moment too soon, and Croconaw was able to land safely with pieces of the shattered boulder scattered around it.

Ash and Pikachu sighed in relief. "Let's not get caught offguard again, huh, buddy?" Croconaw looked back at its trainer and nodded. Ash pointed his index finger at Mamoswine. "Hydro Pump!"

Croconaw's cheeks began to puff, and out of the large jaw burst a powerful stream of water. The attack hit Mamoswine right between the eyes.

"AVALANCHE!" Prima ordered.

Mamoswine used its tusks to cause a large shockwave. "Oh, I've a bad feeling about this," Ash said. The snow around them began to rise high, just like water in Surf. For the first time since it debuted, Croconaw had a look of fear and surprise on its face.

Croconaw broke out of its Hydro Pump attack and darted far to the side. But the giant Avalanche seems to be homing in on it.

Ash senses that his Pokemon is in great danger. Ash ran along the side of the field, after Croconaw. The giant wall of snow crashed down on Croconaw and Ash, who was right behind it!

-I have half a mind to delete this fic, since no one's reviewing . This is now a triple post! And who rated this fic? I sure didn't.

EF13:Have a Not so NIce Day, Part II

Everyone in the stadium looked anxiously at the mess of snow where Ash and Croconaw got buried alive. The referee ran over to the same spot and called for medics.

"We'd better go and see if we can help," Brock suggested. But before he even said it, May was already off her seat to join the referee on the field.

Prima, meanwhile, was in her element. "Go, Blastoise, Glaceon!" Out came her Pokemon. "Go help with the rescue effort. You, too, Mamoswine."

Various Pokemon came to help. Brock called his powerhouses Bastiodon and Toxicroak, Hikari called Prinplup, and May and Max called their fire Pokemon(Blaziken and Camerupt, respectively). Pikachu helped as well. After a few minutes of digging, they could hear a low groaning sound underneath the snow. May ordered Blaziken and Camerupt to thaw the ice in that direction.

They soon found Ash leaned against the wall, holding Croconaw on his lap. It seemed that Ash shielded Croconaw from hitting the wall during the Avalanche. The groaning sound from before was Ash's.

Later, Ash regained consciousness, but kept his eyes closed. 'Oh, have I got a headache.' Ash noticed that the object his head is resting on feels softer than a regular pillow. Ash opened his eyes, and looked up to see May's face over him. Ash's head was resting on May's lap.

"May?" Ash squinted to see May's eyes, which were slightly red.

"Ash!" May practically shouted, which made his head ache once more.

"I thought that I've gone to heaven. For a moment I thought I saw an angel," he added, with a weak smile.

His head still not rising from May's lap, Ash turned sideways to glance at everyone crowding around him.

"You need work on your pickup lines, Ash," May said, relief in her voice.

"Boy, Ash, you got us all worried, dude," Bryan spoke up.

"That was crazy, pulling a stunt like that," Misty scolded him, but Ash could see her eyes were bloodshot like May's.

"How long have I been out?"

"Two hours. We thought of taking you to a human hospital, but then you woke up."

Ash made to sit up, but couldn't. Ash got a better look at his surroundings, and realised he is back in his room at the Pokemon Center.

A doctor came in, followed by Nurse Joy. The latter was holding five Pokeballs on a tray, accompanied by Pikachu. At that moment, the five Pokeballs opened by themselves, and Ash is now surrounded by his Pokemon.

Grotle made a grab for Ash's head, as usual, but was stopped by Pikachu. Even Sceptile and Luxray couldn't hide their own concern for Ash. Corphish, who was on Sceptile's shoulder, jumped off his perch and landed on Ash's stomach. And Croconaw...

Well, Croconaw felt that it's his fault that Ash got hurt, so he felt rather subdued.

The doctor, excusing himself to the Pokemon, went on to examine Ash. "Hmm," he said, reading Ash's vital signs. "Things seem normal," he declared after a few minutes. "But I suggest that you get some bedrest, or, at least, go to the hospital for further examination."

"Don't worry, doc, we'll keep an eye on him and make sure he gets proper rest," Brock spoke up.

"Very well, but I suggest he stay in bed for the rest of the day. I'll be seeing you all..." The doctor left.

Ash positioned himself so that he could sit next to May, making Corphish slide from his chest to his lap. But May placed her hands on Ash's shoulder and dragged him back downwards to the bed. Ash 's head landed on the pillow, but the force of May's pull just worsened his headache more.

"You heard the doctor, Ash, you need some rest," she said.

Bryan chuckled. "Better take your girl's advice, dude. After the long and hard day, you deserve it."

Brock called everyone's attention by yawning, very, very loudly. It was meant as a "signal", and everyone but Ash and May understood.

Max joined Brock in his signal. "It's getting late. We'd all better get some shuteye ourselves."

The entire group excused themselves out of the room, leaving only Ash, May and the former's Pokemon behind. As Max closed the door behind him, he whispered to the others, "Maybe we should have taken the Pokemon with us..."

"No," Brock replied. "They want to be right by their trainer's side, so they should. Besides, any of you want to get on either Sceptile's or Luxray's bad sides? And we've got another problem."

"What's that?"

"Where are we gonna sleep?" Hikari picked up Brock's train of thought.

"You dudes can room in with me," Bryan suggested.

"And the girls can stay with me," Micah added.

As the others left, Ash and his Pokemon have all fallen asleep. Pikachu and Corphish were sleeping on either side of Ash, Sceptile is leaning on the wall to the far left side of the room, Luxray is curled up on the floor, next to Grotle, and Croconaw, still feeling guilty, is sitting opposite Sceptile, at the far right side.

May silently moved from her sitting position from the bed, and slowly strode to the room's window, and closed it shut. She turned around to face the sleeping figure on the bed. "Good night, Ash," she whispered.

----

"I just heard the news. Is he-?"

"Don't worry, Professor, he's fine. May is with him right now."

It was early in the morning, at 5:30. Professor Oak wasted no time in calling the Cerulean City Pokemon Center after hearing the news of Ash's accident on T.V. Brock took the call, while everyone listened.

"That's good to hear. If it would have been worse, think of what will happen to my lab when Ash's Pokemon-"

"We get the picture. Has Mrs. Ketchum heard about it?"

"Fortunately she wasn't able to watch the evening news. I'll tell her later anyway, this is her son we're talking about." Prof. Oak decided to change the subject. "What about the match with Prima? Have they decided how to finish it?"

"The PLA will surely make an announcement soon. In the meantime, Ash is getting the rest he needed after three days of non-stop battling."

Just then, Tracey's voice could be heard from the background. "No, Ambipom, NO! Leave some food for the rest of the Pokemon!"

"Well, I'd better go. What a day for most of my staff to have a holiday, when all the Pokemon are getting restless."

"Why?"

"I don't know. But I think I experienced this sort of behavior before, I just couldn't put my finger on exactly when. Anyway, send my regards to Ash."

Then Tracey shouted, "Hold it, Muk, stay back, back..."

"Alright, Professor. We'll be seeing you." Brock signed off.

----

As Corphish turned in its sleep, its pincer landed hard, right on Ash's face, waking the latter up. Ash rose from his slumber to find Pikachu and Corphish sprawled next to him. Maywas also asleep, on a chair right by the bed.

Just then Grotle woke up as well(Good morning, Ash) and wasted no time in biting Ash's head.

"OWOWOW, Grotle, stop it, I've still got a headache."

The commotion woke the others. "How're you feeling now, Ash?" May asked anxiously, as Grotle let go of Ash.

"I feel like a million Pokebucks-"

"That's good to hear."

"I'm not finished. I feel like a million Pokebucks' worth of coins just hit my head." Ash rubbed his head at the part where Grotle's jaws were locked on. "What time is it?" To answer his own question, Ash looked at his Pokegear. It was now 8:30 A.M. "I'm really hungry."

May smiled to herself, knowing Ash is back to his old self. She took him by the arm. "Come on, let's go. I'll cook you a big breakfast."

Ash recalled all his Pokemon, to their dislike for disturbing their sleep, and went out. Outside the center's hallway is surprisingly deserted. The two later heard voices(or more on a commotion) coming from the lobby.

The two entered the lobby to find everyone in front of the large T.V. The news that was on:

"After the unexpected accident the day before concerning Prima and her second challenger Ash Ketchum, the Pokemon League Association has decided that the match in question was a victory for the challenger. The Elite trainer Prima added that this is to honor the trainer's valiant effort to protect his Pokemon, a trait that should be possesed by any good trainer.

"The awarding ceremony will take place today at 9:30 A.M., right before the third opening of the Prima's Cup. It's notable that this is the first time in fifteen years before an Elite trainer was ever defeated by forfeiting, or at least being defeated at all."

"That can't be the right thing to do," Ash spoke up. Everyone turned to him. "I don't want to win this competition by forfeit. It's just not right."

"There's nothing we can do, Ash," Brock said to his friend. "The PLA have already made that decision."

"I can't win like this..."

"What are you going to do about it?" Misty asked.

"Just watch," Ash said, with a certain air in his voice.

Ash completely forgot about his appetite. After the news broadcast Ash and Pikachu sped back to the stadium, closely followed by his friends.

"Ash, wait up," May panted, a few feet behind Ash. But this time Ash didn't listen to her, and kept on going.

He wasted no time in finding Prima. The latter was found conversing with an Officer Jenny. Prima saw Ash walking towards her, and stopped her conversation to speak to him.

"How is your condition, Ash? I thought that you might still need a little rest after yesterday."

Ash waved off Prima's concern and got straight to the point. "What's up with you forfeiting our match? I don't deserve to win that way."

"I feel that it's my obligation, being partly responsible for your accident. Plus, like I stated in the news, you risked your own life to save your Pokemon, something that I admire."

"But still... You know what? Over the years of my being a Pokemon trainer, I've met countless members of the Elite Four(ironically). Bruno, Lance, Agatha, Lucian, Steven, yourself, the list could go on for hours... You know what you all have in common?

"Aside from being the world's best trainers, I have never defeated a single one of you guys. This competition is my chance to change that. Ever since being defeated by an Elite trainer, I've always trained my Pokemon harder with defeating you as my focus."

"Thank you. But what do you suggest we do?"

"What else? I want a rematch, and my Pokemon would love that too."

By this time May and the others have caught up to Ash. "A rematch?" Prima inquired.

"Yeah. Same rules as before. I want to earn my victory, not be sympathized for it."

Prima thought for a moment. 'This boy, he has definitely matured since Mandarin Island. Is that what Drake sees in him?' "A rematch would mean that your wins from our previous battle would be null, you understand?"

"Yeah, I understand."

"Then I have no reason to object. Name the time and place."

----

The time: late morning. The place: Cerulean Cape beach. Ash and Prima are all set for their rematch, and this time, aside from Ash's friends, there is no audience. The crowd is back in Cerulean City, watching the third wave of the Prima's Cup, which is now underway. However, there is a news crew present to cover the whole battle.

Prima declared that the whole beach, and maybe the water, is their battleground. Ash stood on one side, close to the Cape Lighthouse, while Prima stood at the beach border closest to the city.

"This time, it will be a 3-on-3 match. Same rules apply," the referee announced. "Whoever wins 2 matches first will be the winner."

Ash thought that being on the beach would dampen Prima's chances since the heat would weaken her Ice Pokemon.

However, Brock pointed out that some of Prima's Pokemon are also Water-type, and could use the water to their advantage. Plus, there are rainclouds overhead, so this may not be a hot day after all.

"Let's make things a bit interesting, Ash," Prima suddenly said.

"How?"

"By changing each match into a double battle, giving us a full 6 Pokemon team apiece. A victory is earned in each match if at least one of the Pokemon of the opponent is knocked out."

"Sounds good to me."

"A double battle? Now this gets pretty interesting," Max spoke up.

"Just the way Ash wants it," Brock added. "Though Prima may have a reason why she wanted it to be a double battle."

"Okay, I choose Sceptile and Corphish!" Sceptile came out of its Pokeball, followed by Corphish.

"And I choose Mamoswine and Glaceon!" The large mammoth-like Pokemon from before, accompanied by a light-blue fox with rhombus-shaped ears, tail- and cap-ends. Ash examined the new face in his Pokedex:

Glaceon, the Fresh Snow Pokemon

It is the 7th evolution of Eevee, a result of growing in a snowy evironment. As a protective technique, it can completely freeze it's fur to make its hairs stand like needles.

"Listen, guys, you have to work together, this time, okay?" Sceptile nodded though hesitantly, and Corphish clicked its claws in agreement.

Sceptile(Just don't cramp my style, crabby.)

Corphish(Just lighten up for a while, will ya?)

The referee, stnding in a bouy a litte distance from shore, signaed the beginning of the match. "First match. Sceptile and Corphish vs. Mamoswine and Glaceon. BEGIN!"

"Sceptile, use Leaf Blade on Mamoswine! Corphish, ram Glaceon with a Tackle attack!"

Corphish dashed like a bullet towards Glaceon, and Sceptile's "arm" leaves began to glow light green as it jumped towards the topside of Mamoswine. both of Prima's Pokemon easily evaded the attacks, though Mamoswine avoided his by using Mudslap. Sceptile kneeled on all fours, trying to wipe the mud from its face, when it was suddenly grabbed by Mamoswine.

Corphish, meanwhile, was being barraged by Ice Shards. The lobster evaded the sharp projectiles by digging into the sand.

"Okay, you two, let's continue this battle," Ash stopped his Pokemon bickering. "Watch OUT!" Glaceon and Mamoswine used a joint Ice Beam and aimed it right at their opponents. Reacting quickly, Sceptile grabbed Corphish and jumped high to safety. The sandy ground below the two Pokemon began to freeze over.

'Is Prima's Ice Pokemon this powerful that they can create ice floes in the beach?' Sceptile landed safely on a rock at Ash's side, still holding Corphish.

Sceptile(You're gaining weight, a lot. Lay off the Pokefood.)

(Heh, look who's talking. You're the one who keeps threatening Tracey about food when we were in the lab.)

"Come on guys, stop fighting among yourselves. We have to-" Ash didn't finish what he said, as he suddenly fell flat on his back. The referee then halted the match. Pikachu looked anxiously at its trainer.

(ASH!) the three Pokemon(Corphish, Sceptile and Pikachu) shouted his name together.

"ASH!" May ran over to him, and checked if he was okay. He is feeling dizzy, with swirly-eyes and all. "What's wrong?"

Ash stared at May right in the eyes and smiled sheepishly. "I'm really, really hungry."

Everyone facefaulted. Pikachu and Corphish sweatdropped, while Sceptile had its mouth open that its twig fell out. Prima suppressed a smile on her face.

"You got so occupied preparing for this battle the whole morning, that you forgot to eat breakfast," May said sighing.

"We could all use a lunch break. Ref?" Prima half-heartedly suggested.

"Well, if you don't have any objection, then... You have thirty minutes."

Ash sprang from his spot immediately. "Thanks, ref!" May watched him carefully as Ash ate the special lunch she cooked for him. The other trainers and their Pokemon joined in, and Prima also was having her own lunch.

"Hm-hm, now I know that your cooking can surpass Brock's, May," Ash mumbled, his mouth ful of stew. Brock snickered at this comment.

After finishing his meal, Ash stood up, and ready for battle. He made for his spot on the battlefield. But May stopped him by pulling on his jacket edges. "Aww, come on, May, I want to finish this quickly!" Ash compained, as May held him in place.

"No battles after eating. Besides, you still have fifteen minutes of break left."

"You're beginning to sound like my mom."

"I promised her that I'll look after you during this whole adventure, and so I am."

Ash grimaced, but sat back in place. Sceptile looked at its trainer as it was chewing through some special chow Brock prepared, and sighed (The only human I respect, has now fallen to the dark side. The dark side of females.)

Pikachu(You still haven't gotten over that rejection from Meganium, huh?)

hey ive actually been reading since the beggining and i love it, so dont you dare stop, but I'll review from now on, I liked this chapter, I loved sceptiles 'dark side' speech that was funny, well hope for you to update soon

-Thanks. I'll always update as long as someone reviews.
-From now on, all Pokemon are now referred in this fic in gender-based pronouns. In this dynamic, I'm folowing that most of Ash's Pokemon are male, except for 2: Bayleef and Ambipom. May's is opposite: only one of hers is male(Munchlax).

EF14:Have a Not so NIce Day, Part III

After their lunch break, Ash and his Pokemon are ready to battle again. Surprisingly, the iced part of the beach still hasn't thawed up.

"This time no more interruptions, understood, Ash?" Prima called to him.

"Don't worry, no more interruptions." Corphish and Sceptile poised themselves on either side of Ash, while Prima's Pokemon stood on either side of her.

The referee looked at both sides, and announced the resuming of the match.

"Okay, Sceptile, use Bullet Seed! Corphish, go for Bubblebeam!" Ash's two Pokemon fired their respective projectiles at Mamoswine. But Glaceon protected its partner by using Protect.

After the Protect's shield wore off, Glaceon placed a well-rounded Slam on both Sceptile and Corphish. Then Mamoswine came bearing down on them for a Take Down. Sceptile used his speed to evade the attack, but Corphish wasn't so lucky, and he rolled out of the way after almost being stepped on.

"Sceptile, find Corphish, quick," Ash ordered. But there's no need. Corphish reappeared from underground, a few feet rom Sceptile. "Okay, this time use another Leaf blade, Sceptile."

Sceptile's leaves began to glow again and this time his target is Glaceon. The two combatants began exchanging blows in midair, with Leaf Blade and Slam, respectively.

Ash diverted his attention to Corphish. "Corphish, use Bubblebeam on Mamoswine!"

Corphish fired Bubblebeam at the massive Mamoswine charging towards him again. The Bubblebeam hit the giant right in the eyes, temporarily blinding him. Corphish jumped out of the way as Mamoswine crashed into a boulder.

Meanwhile, Sceptile was nearly swiped by one of Glaceon's "cap" tips with Ice Spear. Sceptile barraged Glaceon with Bullet Seed, but his opponent used another Protect, which was then used to ram Sceptile. Sceptile shielded itself with his arms, but Glaceon tried to literally flatten the reptile by landing on him with Protect still in effect. Sceptile somersaulted backwards just as he hit the ground, evading Glaceon's attack.

Mamoswine shaked its head to clear its vision. Corphish wasted no time in cimbing up to the giant's topside. Mamoswine, sensing the "hitchiker", tried to shake Corphish off. But Corphish grabbed onto Mamoswine's thick hide, as he was being swayed to and fro.

Sceptile noticed Corphish on top of Mamoswine and then shifted his gaze towards his trainer. Ash understood what his Pokemon is trying to say. "Sceptile, go follow Corphish's lead!"

Sceptile jumped onto Mamoswine as well. Corphish acknowledged his companion, and Sceptile grabbed Corpish and jumped off as Glaceon came after them.

As they were in the air, Ash gave his next command. "Bubblebeam, Corphish!" Corphish fired Bubblebeam at Glaceon and Mamoswine below them. At pure instinct, Glaceon used Protect to generate a shield that was big enough to cover both of them.

Sceptile and Corphish have finally landed on the ground. Mamoswine, with Glaceon's Protect still in effect, charged towards them again. Corphish went on one side, and Sceptile the other. Glaceon, still on top of Mamoswine, faced Corphish, and Mamoswine faced Sceptile.

"Corphish, Taunt Glaceon!" Corphish danced a ittle bit, and stuck his tongue out at Glaceon. The latter, furious, jumped off her partner and chased Corphish, who found sanctuary by digging underground again. "Now, Sceptile, use Leaf Blade on Mamoswine!"

Sceptile lashed out his blades again at Mamoswine. The latter countered with a Headbutt. Sceptile covered his front so that the Leaf Blade(s) hit Mamoswine first at the impact. A flash, and Sceptile and Mamoswine stood on either side of the beach, almost frozen in place, in the same positions that they were in when they attacked. Then on of Mamoswine's knees buckled, and the rest folowed suit. Sceptie fell to its knees, but remained upright.

"Mamoswine is down. Victory goes to Corphish and Sceptile," the referee announced.

Sceptile smirked and crossed his arms, and Glaceon, who was about to pounc on Corphish, halted at the announcement.

"Good work, you guys," Ash said, as he ran over and congratulated his Pokemon.

Pikachu(Great work, you guys, top rate.)

Sceptile spat on the ground(Why does he get top billing when it was I who made the win?), as Corphish joined them.

Corphish(Don't sweat it, pal, I always give you my credit.)

Sceptile(Thanks a heap. Makes me feel a lot better.)

Prima smiled as she called her Pokemon back to their Pokeballs. "This time I choose Blastoise and Abomasnow!"

In the next match, Prima chose Blastoise, a large, dark blue tortoise with cannons jutting out of the top of its dark brown shell, and Abomasnow, a large, white creature resembling a white bear(or maybe the yeti).

After returning Sceptile and Corphish, Ash looked apprehensive as he glanced at the two giants. "Pikachu, go get them!" he said to his best friend. "Luxray, go help Pikachu!" Luxray appeared beside Pikachu, and the two pokemon are both charged(literally) for batte.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt! Luxray, use Fire Fang!" Pikachu charged at Blastoise, and let out a powerful electric beam.

"Blastoise, Iron Defense!" Just as Pikachu's Thunderbolt hit Blastoise, the latter withdrawed into his shell. A glint in the "armor", and the Thunderbolt had no effect! Both Ash and Pikachu were dumbfounded at this.

'I should have seen this coming,' Ash thought, only half-listening to Brock. 'Didn't I see that Blastoise defeat a Jolteon before?'

Meanwhile, Luxray jumped on Abomasnow, fangs flaring. Abomasnow easily swiped his opponent, knocking Luxray back first into the ground. Luxray somersaulted right before Abomasnow targeted him for an Ice Beam. Luxray continued running after Abomasnow trailed the Ice Beam after the lion.

Luxray darted for Pikachu(Get on behind me, or we'll both be frozen over!)

Pikachu had no choice but to comply, and immediately jumped onto Luxray's back. The yellow mouse hung on as Luxray darted in and around Abomasnow's Ice Beam.

Pikachu(Won't he ever run out?)

Luxray(Unfortunately, for us, maybe no.)

Pikachu(Watch out!)

The two of them were busy evading Abomasnow that they didn't notice the intimidating figure of Blastoise looming right over them. Luxray freezed right in his tracks, and made a U-turn, only to face Abomasnow. Ash's Pokemon are boxed in!

"Blastoise, Hydro Pump," Prima ordered. Both of Blastoise's cannons aimed for Luxray and Pikachu, and a powerful stream of water gushed out.

Reacting instinctively, Luxray, with Pikachu still on his back, jumped the highest he possibly can, made a landing for Blastoise's head, and jumped away to safety. The Hydro Pump kept on, and hit Abomasnow, but the latter wasn't even fazed. It is a part-grass-type, after all.

As soon as Luxray made a safe landing, Ash gave his next command. "Pikachu, Luxray, Blastoise is vulnerable while using Hydro Pump. Go use Thunderbolt together!"

Pikachu and Luxray charged themselves up, and used Thunderbolt on Blastoise. This time Ash's timing was correct, and Blastoise wasn't able to brace for the attack.

As Blastoise plopped back to the ground, Ash congratulated his two Pokemon. "Nice one, you two," he said happily.

From underneath the white skin(?) Abomasnow took out a Sitrus Berry, and hurled it towards Blastoise. The turtle managed to eat it, and was able to stand up!

"Isn't that against the rules?" May said, standing up. "Using items in battle?"

"Actually, no," Max answered his sister. "Abomasnow is still using an attack move, so there's nothing against the rules about that."

'Oh, c---,' Ash cursed silently. To make things worse, Blastoise began glowing a familiar blue color. 'Great, for the first time I'm not exactly happy to see THAT.'

Blastoise turned around to face Luxray and Pikachu, a menacing smile crawling upon his face.

Pikachu(This... Is bad...)

Luxray(Thanks for pointing out the obvious.)

"Luxray, get out of the way!" Ash frantically ordered his Pokemon. Luxray flexed his back, and launched Pikachu high into the air, and safely landing a good distance from Luxray. Just then Luxray was hit full-force with a Torrent-charged Hydro Pump!

Luxray was carried off by the force of Blastoise's attack. He was then seen backed up against a rock, while Blastoise's Hydro Pump still kept on. The force of Blastoise's attack was so strong, that in no time at all the rock where Luxray was knocked back on crumbled, and Luxray was sent flying backwards through the rubble!

"LUXRAY!" Ash shouted in concern. The shout snapped Luxray back to his senses, while still in midair, being juggled by Hydro Pump. 'Hold on, maybe Luxray can-' "Luxray, use Thunder on the Hydro Pump, now!"

Luxray let out its most powerful Thunder. The Hydro Pump acted like a conductor, and was able to fry Blastoise, without missing. The Hydro pump finally stopped, and Luxray landed with all feet on the ground, panting heavily.

Luxray(You and me both...) Just then Luxray's hind knees buckled. It seems Luxray had sustained too much damage.

"Luxray, are you alright?"

Luxray trembled as he stood up, with great difficulty(I'll manage.)

Just then, Pikachu(Uh, guys? A little help here...)

Both Ash and Luxray turned to see Pikachu covered halfway in ice. It seems that as Ash was concentrating on Luxray, that he forgot all about Pikachu, who was dodging Ice beams all this time.

Luxray immediately darted towards his partner and used his tail to unfreeze Pikachu, the same way he did in his battle with Delibird. After that, Blastoise and Abomasnow surrounded them.

Pikachu and Luxray stood side by side, emitting sparks, and this time poised for the next wave of attacks. Luxray(You ready for this, smallfry?), looking like he's ready for more, despite fatigue.

Pikachu(Try to keep up.)

Ash smiled at his two Pokemon. "Okay, guys, give it all you've got!"

It seem that Luxray and Pikachu had a plan, as they had no hesitation in running towards their respective opponents. Ash seems to know what his Pokemon are up to, as well, as a small smile crept in his face.

Acting like synchronized fighters, Pikachu jumped Blastoise, and Luxray jumped Abomasnow, both at the same time. It was like a still-frame, when Pikachu and Luxray are both in midair, and then Blastoise and Abomasnow fired their respective attacks, and, hit nothing! Pikachu and Luxray both have Double Teamed, and their opponent's targets are just the illusions!

Facing each other, Bastoise unwittingly fired the Hydro Pump in Abomasnow's direction. The latter, knocked back by the water attack, accidentally hit Bastoise with Ice Beam, freezing Blastoise in place!

The referee turned to Prima, to see if the Elite trainer will pull off another survival tactic. But this time Prima only smiled, and lifted her hands to the air, conceding defeat. And so the ref declared, "Bastoise is down. Victory goes to Luxray and Pikachu."

Ash jumped the highest he possiby can in the air, joined by Pikachu and Luxray, as well as the other Pokemon, who let themselves out of their Pokeballs again. Of course, save for Sceptile, who is beyond jumping and merely celebrated with a grunt.

---

"Here," Prima said, extending a closed fist to Ash. Ash took it, and Prima opened her fist to drop a small object in Ash's palm. It is a white, octagon-shaped badge with a stylized "4" in the center.

Ash and Pikachu looked at it, puzzled. "A badge?"

"That is called a Master Badge, signifying you defeated a member of the Elite Four. Right now the badge is shining in the color white, my colors. Defeating another member will make the badge flash two colors. Once all members of the Elite Four are defeated, the badge shines alternating between the four colors."

Ash held out the MasterBadge, and the late morning sun, appearing right behind the clouds, reflected on the badge's surface. "I got a Master Badge!"

Everyone gathered around him, and admired the new badge. Brock grabbed Ash in a headlock again.

"Looks like you may have a small chance of winning this competition, after all," he said jokingly.

"Thanks a lot," Ash retorted sarcastically.

"So, Ash where are you headed up to next?" Max spoke up.

Ash stared at the sea, facing north. "Back to Sinnoh. I feel that's where I should face my next challenge." He turned to Prima. "Who is the Elite member there?"

"A woman who goes by the name of Bertha. She's seen a few years of Pokemon training more than anyone else I know, and that would mean-"

"A large abundance of experience," Ash finished.

"Ash, I don't know why Drake put you in such a situation, wagering your Pokemon. But you definitely show promise. I wish you luck further into the competition."

"Thanks, Prima."

---

On their way back to the city, Misty's Pokegear began ringing like crazy. "Oh, dear, I shouldn't have left the gym unattended for so long," she declared. Misty ran ahead of the others, closely followed by Brock, Max and Hikari, while May and Ash lagged behind.

"So you're going to return to Sinnoh?" May suddenly asked.

"Yeah," Ash said absentmindedly, still looking at his Master Badge.

"You don't mind if... I come along, do you?"

"Are you kidding? It will be like old times. Besides, I can't continue with a far-off relationship, I want us to be together longer," Ash joked, eyes twinkling puppy-dog style.

"Hey, guys." Both Ash and May turned to see the others a few yards ahead of them. The one who called to them was Max.

"What's up?" Ash asked as he and May joined them.

Brock was cleaning his ear with his pinky. "Well, it seems my mom decided to extend her vacation with the rest of my family, and dad can't operate the gym on his own, so... I guess I'll be heading back to Pewter City."

"So you're not coming with us?" Ash asked.

"Sorry, buddy."

"And I can't come along; I have to collect my Kanto Badges for the Indigo League," Max reminded them.

Ash looked crestfallen. "It's going to be weird, travelling in a group where there are two girls and only one guy: me."

Hikari raised her finger. "Correction. One guy and 'one girl'."

May turned to her. "You're not coming, too, Hikari?"

"I've only set foot here in Kanto, then if I travel with you guys, that means I have to return to Sinnoh. Not happening, that's for sure."

Ash and May both narrowed their eyes at their friends. "Is there some reason why you guys are actually leaving, other than the ones you mentioned?" Ash questioned.

Brock, Max and Hikari about-faced, and ran away, before Ash and May could get their hands on them. "COME BACK HERE!"

-Like I said before, as long as somebody reviews, I'll be ready to post a new one.

EF15: Shippy Ship Shenanigans

The S.S. Mollusk left Cerulean Cape Harbor, carrying about a hundred passengers, heading for Sinnoh. Among these passengers are Ash and May, the former of which is heading for the aforementioned region for his second Elite Four competition.

The couple can be seen in the rear starboard side of the ship, bidding farewell to their companions, Max(May's brother) and Hikari, who are staying in the Kanto region for different reasons. Both Ash and May felt a bit awkward, seeing this is the first time that the two of them travelled alone together since becoming an item.

Their uneasy feelings worsened when Ash placed a call to Professor Oak's lab. The professor greeted Ash in the same manner, and several of Ash's Pokemon appeared by his side to greet their trainer.

"Hi, Professor, have you heard the news? I won against Prima, one of the Elite Four."

"Yes, of course I heard. Your Pokemon kept bugging me to let them watch the broadcast of your battle. Congratulations on achieving such a victory."

"Thanks. Right now, I'm calling from the S.S. Mollusk, headed for Sinnoh."

"Back to Sinnoh already?" the professor inquired.

"Yeah, for some weird reason I feel that the competition there should be my next stop."

"I see. Well, I'm not one to dampen your spirits, Ash. And it's lucky that you called. I seem to hear a certain rumor regarding-"

"Oh, HONEY!" Just then Delia appeared beside Prof. Oak. "I heard the news. You really make me so proud."

Ash scratched his head. "Aww, mom, I never thought you were that enthusiastic about me defeating an Elite trainer like that-"

"Who said anything about Pokemon battles?" Prof. Oak winked at Ash from the background and started whistling "casually". "I am talking about your lovelife, silly."

'She heard? Uh-oh...'

"Now where is the lucky girl?" Delia continued.

"Uh, she's on the observation deck, with our Pokemon," Ash said sheepishly. He took care not to look his mother in the eyes.

"Now, I want you to take good care of her. Don't hurt her feelings... Always make her happy... And don't do anything that you might regret..."

Ash didn't quite understand. "What do you mean, mom?"

Delia waved her finger in a scolding manner. "Honey, what do you think Mimey found when she was cleaning out your room one day, hm? Under your bed?"

Ash choked back in his seat. "Hold on, mom, I can explain... T-those are not m-mine, I swear... I, uh, just borrowed them from Brock for the ads, or... Uh, or maybe from Gary-"

"Hello, May," Delia replied, and suddenly winked at her. "Now you take care, okay? And, sweetie(referring to May, just as Ash is trying to sneak out of earshot), make sure that Ash doesn't get strange ideas in his head."

"Huh?" May said quizzically.

"Oh, and also have him change his you-know-whats every-"

"Okay, Mom, Professor Oak, Gary, 'bye, see 'ya," Ash said, very quickly. He turned off the videophone. As they signed off, Ash heaved a huge sigh. "That was close."

May turned to him. "So, what did your mother mean by 'strange ideas', hm?"

"Eh, he-he, heh?" Ash swallowed, hard.

---

Ash luckily managed to avoid May's questioning. They spent the rest of the day lounging and chatting with the other passengers. There was a large pool for the passengers to swim with their Pokemon on the front deck.

Ash's Sceptile is once again having a sparring match with his rival, Blaziken. They were "fighting" on an upper deck just above the pool. Munchlax is lounging on a floatation bed in one side of the pool. Squirtle tried to play a little prank. She jumped onto Munchlax, and together they sinked into the pool. Corphish is lurking deep at the bottom of the pool, hiding from another trainer's Bidoof, who he seemed to have angered.

"GERONIMO!" Ash shouted, as he and Pikachu cannonballed into the pool. A few Pokemon, and trainers, got wet from his dive, but they didn't bother; they were all having so much fun.

Ash floated alongside Munchlax, staring at the clear blue sky, and Pikachu has now hitched a ride with a Starmie. Croconaw, who disappeared for awhile, reappearred, carrying a huge tray of food. At the sight, Munchlax immediately jumped out, and made a grab for Croconaw's food. The two chased after each other around the perimeter of the pool.

Ash spied the sparring match above and smiled. 'Looks like Sceptile is getting training from Blaziken.' Then he glanced at the chase around the pool, and sweatdropped. 'Eh, at least they're getting some exercise as well, I think.'

"Ash."

Ash snapped out of his trance, and looked at May, who just arrived. She is wearing an emerald green two-piece swimsuit. Ash grinned at her and said, "Come on in. The water's fine."

May, instead of diving in, lowered herself into the pool, and swam towards Ash. "Is this all you're gonna do all day? Float in this pool? You know you have a competition to train for."

"Come on, May, give me a break. We don't get to Sinnoh until late tomorrow afternoon. We have plenty of time to relax."

Ash tried to get a little sneaky, and grabbed May's hand, pulling them both underwater. May was slightly annoyed at first, but Ash closed in for a kiss, to which she smiled and didnt resist. However, they were interrupted by Corphish grabbing onto Ash's left leg.

"YEEEOWW!" Ash jumped high over the pool surface. "Come back here, you!"

Acting nimbly, Corphish avoided Ash and joined the crowd in watching Sceptile and Blaziken. Corphish clicked his claws(Hmmph. Show-offs.)

Sceptile stopped using Leaf Blade and turned to him(If you don't like it, why did you come here in the first place, crabby?)

Corphish wasn't listening(I'm beginning to think that you're in this for more than battles, buddy.)

Sceptile, annoyed, fired Bullet Seed in Corphish's direction, causing the lobster to scurry away. (These times I even wonder why he is my best friend.)

Blaziken smirked(So much for your loner image.)

Sceptile spat(HAH! Don't get me started, lady. Now, where were we?)

Blaziken(Call me "lady" again, and I'll kick your sorry a--, which is what I'm about to do.)

Sceptile grinned devilishly(Oh, that's what you think.)

And they resumed their sparring match.

---

May wasn't exactly happy about the rooming arrangements. As a bid to make their travelling more affordable, Ash requested for them to have the same room. But that's not a problem. No, the real reason for May's annoyance is that not only are they going to share the same room, but they have to share the only bed in the room!

"Pikachu, you don't mind if you sleep between Ash and me, do you?"

Pikachu(Don't worry, I don't mind.)

"What do you take me for?" Ash asked, crossing his arms.

"I just figured out what your mother was trying to tell me earlier. This is to assure her that it won't definitely happen."

"But-"

"Either that, or you'll sleep on the cold, hard floor."

Defeated, Ash retreated to the far side of his portion of the bed. But Pikachu had other things in mind as Ash and May slept on either side of him.

---

Pikachu made sure that the two people beside him are sound asleep. Then, smiling mischievously, Pikachu jumped out of bed, and ran over to the chair where Ash's and May's Pokeball belts were hung.

Pikachu took one Pokeball from each belt, and opened them. Sceptile and Blaziken came out, stretching and yawning.

Pikachu(Okay, guys, time to initiate Operation:AaMayL.)

Sceptile(Now? It's...) He looked at the clock over the bed (It's already midnight. Can't it wait 'til-)

Pikahu(No, it can't wait. Now help me move these two.)

Blaziken moved May, while Sceptile did the same with Ash. Pikachu directed the two into "intertwining" the humans in their sleep. Then the three schemers took a look at their "work of art". Ash now has both arms around May, while May had both hands rested against Ash's chest. Their foreheads are lightly touching each other, and their lips are almost in contact.

Pikachu snickered(Yep, we've done real good this time).

Just then, Corphish let himself out of his Pokeball. As usual, he tried to grab Ash with Vicegrip, but Sceptile pulled him back. Corphish tried to struggle out of Sceptile's hold.

Sceptile placed Corphish underneath his arms(Come on, let's get out of here before they wake up. Besides, I have a little score to settle with you, dear friend of mine.)

Corphish(Gulp... Uh-oh...)

---

While Sceptile is having some alone time with Corphish(you could hear the lobster screaming), Pikachu wandered around the bottom deck. He smelled some food, and figured he must be close to the kitchens.

The enticing aroma came from the double doors to the left. As a sailor walked out, and before the door closed, Pikachu darted inside.

Pikachu held his nose out in the air and sniffed. But as he did, a yellow streak darted past him. Pikachu turned around, and found another Pikachu. The two rodents stared at each other, and (our) Pikachu started to turn red.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: at this point to prevent confusion, Ash's Pikachu will be called A(sh's)-chu, the other Pikachu will be O(ther)-chu. And O-chu is female, so you know what that means...

O-chu waved at A-chu casually(Hi!). Nervously, A-chu returned the gesture. (I didn't know that there's another Pikachu on board this ship.)

A-chu(Eh, me, too...)

O-chu(You hungry?) A-chu nervously nodded. (Wait here, I think I can ask my trainer to get some food for us. She doesn't mind, she works here.)

A-chu waited outside the kitchen nervously. After a few minutes, O-chu walked out, carrying a trayful of goodies. A-chu offered to help carry the food, and together they went topside. They found a cozy spot next to the pool earlier.

Unknown to them, Sceptile is looking down at them. Blaziken appeared beside him, and they gazed at the two Pokemon below.

Sceptile gave his trademark smirk(Love is in the air.)

Blaziken(I thought you've sworn off that sort of thing...)

Corphish(No, he hasn't... He-) But Sceptile stuffed Corphish's mouth with a large piece of cotton.

Back to the Chus, O-chu looked at her new friend, who seems to be putting an excess amount of ketchup on almost everything he will eat.

O-chu(You must really like that stuff...)

A-chu(This is the best condiment in the world...) A-chu stuffed a ketchup(uh, -laden, or -soaked, you decide) hotdog into his mouth. Some of the red stuff cluttered his entire lower face.

O-chu shrugged, and decided to give it a try. She took another hotdog(with you-know-what) A-chu handed to her, and gulped it down in one swallow. O-chu moaned in delight.

A-chu(There's a Pokemon after my heart...)

The two continued their meal under the watchful eye of A-chu's friends. After that, O-chu left the tray outside the kitchens, and that left the two of them to explore the ship together.

---

Back to Ash and May... Neither one has waken up yet, and strangely, they didn't seem to have changed the positions their Pokemon put them in. Just then, Ash stirred, and he brought his face closer to May's.

---

The two Pikachus are now found running around the ship's deck. En route, they found a sleepy Croconaw and Munchlax resting against a wall(neither Ash nor May bothered to call them yet). Croconaw struggled to open his eyes as the two ran past them(Man, that's sweet. Young love, is it?).

Munchlax shrugged(Isn't he supposed to be older? He has been in this show longer than any of us.)

The Pikachus stood at the ship's bow(Titanic-style), and watched a few Wailord appear right beside the boat.

---

May shrugged off the cold, but felt more warmth as Ash held her tighter.

---

At a little before morning, A-chu woke up right outside Ash's and May's room. O-chu was nowhere to be found. Blaziken loomed over him, while Sceptile and Corphish have their backs to each other, snoring next to him.

A-chu(Wh-where is she?). He rubbed the sand from his eyes.

Blaziken(When we found you, you were all alone. The other Pikachu left before we could meet her.)

A-chu looked a bit disappointed. Just then, Corphish's nose bubble burst, and he jolted awake. No one seeemed to notice, so he sneaked past all of them, right into the room, since the door is ajar. He found Ash and May still "entangled", on the bed. Corphish immediately jumped on the bed, and did his "job", Vicegripping Ash's ankle.

"YEEOWWW!"

The other Pokemon immediately ran into the room, but it's too late. Ash literally jumped, and May woke up from the noise. Corphish can be seen cackling underneath the blankets.

---

After apologizing to their neighbors for the noise, Ash recalled all Pokemon into their Pokeballs. A flustered May is seen scolding Pikachu, after figuring out he and the 3rd-gen starters had orchestrated the whole "bed" scenario(don't ask me how they figured it out.).

The rest of the trip went without incident. Soon the ship made port in Sandgem Town. As the passengers left the ship, Pikachu stayed at the plank of the boat, hoping he could see his new friend again.

"Come on, Pikachu," Ash called to his partner, from the other side of the plank, on the harbor. "Professor Rowan is expecting us at his lab. I don't feel like making him wait."